Just recently, in common with thousands before me, I went on a pilgrimage of sorts to Canterbury, England. My companions may not have been as diverse as the Knight, Pardoner or Wife of Bath, though we represented several cultures and countries, and we each had a tale to tell.

We were on a Spiritual Journey of sorts – even if not seeking Divine favours at a Saint’s Shrine! We were all delegates on the Canterbury Course for Bishops in the early years of their Episcopacy – more informally known as the “Baby Bishops' Course”.

There were 30 of us, representing Dioceses in Kenya, Tanzania, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Brazil, the Philippines, USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, Melanesia, India, Pakistan, South Sudan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.

We were able to share in Bible studies together, and to hear from others about subjects as varied as the Theory of Leadership to Liturgical Practice, with anecdotal advice from other bishops longer in the role. We met up with the Archbishop of Canterbury in Lambeth Palace – very generously giving of his time in between arriving home from a regional Primates meeting in Jordan, and his speaking with the Vatican immediately after Evensong.

For me the biggest value was talking with others from so very different cultures: sharing some of the difficulties we hold in common (eg how to find time to pray, where do we go to get spiritually fed) as well as though difficulties unique to our own situation (eg how to deal with 2000 confirmations in one year, and being a Christian in an overtly hostile environment, or having to carry the body of one of your priests who was shot dead to the cathedral for the funeral).

Conversations were both at the same time disturbing and challenging: “Do you find gay marriage to be a hindrance to the gospel?” This question from an African Bishop generated open and, I believe, honest answers from both other Africans and from North America. Both agreed it did hinder the gospel, but for very different reasons. Where homosexuality is still illegal it was seen as an unnecessary distraction, against where in more liberal societies the church was being perceived as exclusive, unloving and socially unjust, and so keeping people away from hearing about Jesus Christ.

I believe I made some deep friendships, which I hope will continue. Joining together in the regular rhythm of prayer together was immensely powerful – especially as it is the habit in Canterbury Cathedral to encourage all to pray the Lord’s Prayer in their own native language, when we all prayed as Jesus taught us.

I look forward to the Lambeth Conference in 2020 with excitement and anticipation.

And as a side issue: Lorraine and I became Nana and Pops to Jack – our first grandchild, who conveniently arrived when we were in the UK.

2 photos, and I will try very hard not to brag any more….