THE MCJ

LAMBETH PRESSER 1

Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the first day of the 2008 Lambeth Conference.  I'll spend a few moments answering any questions you may have.  Ruth Gledhill of the Times.










Thank you, Your Grace.  There has been some question as to the Anglican status of San Joaquin Bishop John-David Schofield.  I wonder if you could enlighten us.









Certainly, Ruth.  In my letter to Archbishop Venables, I merely wished to indicate that I had not yet received any indication that Bishop Schofield was no longer part of the Anglican Communion.










Damian Thompson, Telegraph.  So you have received an indication that Bishop Schofield is still a part of the Communion, Your Grace?










I've received no indication to that effect, no.










So Bishop Schofield may or may not still be a part of the Anglican Communion?










That's correct.  And I hope we've put this issue to rest.










Thanks for...clearing that...up...Your Grace.










You're quite welcome.










Anderson Cooper, CNN.  Could I get just a quick reaction from one of the bishops to the first day of the Conference?













Certainly, Anderson.  I was strangely moved by the...











Please excuse my interruption but who are you?













Bishop George Wayne Smith of Missouri.











Could I possibly get a reaction from a bishop who's interesting?  Bishop Duncan, how did the first day go?













Beats me.  Iker and I bailed after the game of Musical Chairs started.  We spent the day knocking back pints at the pub and kicking Simon Sarmiento's ass at shove ha'penny.











Shepard Smith, Fox News.  Archbishop Williams, this year's Lambeth Conference is structured differently than any before.  Can you explain the rationale behind your Oompa-Loompa groups arrangement?











Actually, Shepard, it's indaba groups.  That's a Zulu word.  We wanted to arrange a conference without shouting and confrontation.  Shouting at each other has gained none of us anything and we felt that a conference where everyone has a voice and a contribution to make in a calm and rational environment would go far toward calming emotions.







Terry Moran, ABC News.  So, Your Grace, you feel that your Lollipop Guilds...









Indaba groups.










Gesundheit.  So you feel that these groups of yours will diffuse the Anglican crisis?









We pray so, yes.










Norah O'Donnell, NBC News.  Your Grace, I'm curious about something.  Why do you feel that breaking the bishops up into small groups and having them watch a Japanese chef prepare dishes will help the Anglican controversy?












Because we're...what?










Norah, I believe you're referring to teppanyaki.









Oh, that's right.  His Grace's groups are Apple Brown Betty.













Indaba!










Gesundheit.  A follow-up question if I may, Your Grace.  Would you happen to know a good Japanese restaurant in this town?  I've been jonesing for sushi ever since I got here.













Well, I don't think that's...










Norah?  Try Colin Nakamura's on the High Street.  It's a new British-Japanese fusion place.  Their salmon sashimi with Marmite is actually quite good.

Posted on 7/16/2008 11:09:58 PM , 28 comments