Lambeth 2008 - Final Thoughts

In 1998, it ended with fireworks.  Bishops, spouses and staff danced to the music of a swing band, enjoyed a barbecue and watched a spectacular fireworks display over the Cathedral, as the sun set over George Carey’s Lambeth Conference.

Rowan Williams’ Lambeth Conference, which opened nearly three weeks ago with the promise of real fireworks, ended this evening in torrential rain.  As I write, the closing Eucharist is coming to an end: ‘to be followed by hospitality in the grounds of the Cathedral, hosted by the Dean and Chapter’.  No doubt some contingency plan is in place (Anglicans are good at contingency plans) and the hospitality will take place in some suitable, dry alternate – but there will be no fireworks.

And, of course, what no fireworks means is that Lambeth 2008 was a success.

A damp squib? 

Only time will tell . . .