Anglican Communion News Service

Whenever attendees of the 2008 Lambeth Conference hear the word “steward” they’ll probably conjure up an image of a green-ribboned, neon orange-clad young person trying valiantly to direct wandering bishops to the correct location or seat. In Saturday evening’s crowded plenary, steward Sarah Kerr reminded bishops and other leaders that they, too are stewards - stewards not only of their dioceses, but stewards of the gifts and talents of those they serve and lead.

Nontuthuko Chamane (South Africa), Solo Andriamiharisoa (Seychelles), Penny King (UK) and Kerr (USA) reminded everyone that young people in the Church want to be valued and involved in the Church now - and not merely looked upon as the leaders of the future. “What we want the bishops to know is we are here right now and we want to be involved,” said Chamane, “We want to serve on the parish council; we want to be taken care of and want people to know we exist. We want our bishops and clergy to challenge us to be part of the service; we want to feel needed and loved. We have a lot to say and we want to say it. You have a lot to say too and we want to hear it.”

Solo Andriamiharisoa suggested that many young people leave shortly after they are confirmed, and suggested that part of the problem might be church music (too slow) and liturgy (too long). “The main thing that would attract us back to church is music,” he said. “We like drums, sketches, crazy ideas. But we tend to go to you for advice.” He added that adults and youth can work together to create a kind of “remix” of music, liturgy and leadership, enabling the Church a way to reach out to young people who might otherwise stay away.

On the lighter side, Penny King was surprised to discover that bishops are “quite colorful characters” though she did not elaborate on how she arrived at this conclusion. Chamane expressed pleasure and surprise that crozier-wielders obeyed quite willingly when instructed to sit in less desirable seats in the rear of the coach.

All four expressed hope for the future of the Anglican Communion. Kerr, with the aid of Tolkien, likened the current state of the Communion to a quest that “stands as on the edge of a knife,” but all agreed that there was more reason for hope than despair. “We are like a family not just a community,” said Chamane, “as much as we might have arguments, our love is holding us together and we want to make it work…we love each other too much to let go of each other.”