News

'Puppy' bishops learn from old dogs
By Bishop BILL RAY
February 13, 2008
Recently elected Anglican bishops from across the globe gather in Canterbury to learn the ropes. PHOTO: Ramon Willams/Worldwide Photos) (CLICK TO SEE ENLARGED IMAGE) PUPPY SCHOOL: Recently elected Anglican bishops from across the globe gather in Canterbury to learn the ropes.

There's usually no time for 'training-wheels' once a brand new bishop is elected to a new diocese. North Queensland's new bishop BILL RAY has started the year by making the most of a rare 'Bishop Puppy School' in the UK.

 

Way back, not long after I had been consecrated Bishop, a letter arrived inviting new bishops to attend a course titled 'On Being a Bishop' at Canterbury Cathedral, England. 

Coming from a farming background where my father and brother trained sheep dogs, I thought this must be a bit like 'Bishop Puppy School'.  Thinking this could be very helpful, I made an application which included a reference from the Primate

supporting the application. 

An acceptance was received. I was granted a place. 

When January arrived, it was time to tidy my desk and pack my bags.  Excitement built up and thoughts about learning objectives became a reality. 

The course was held at the Lodge of Canterbury Cathedral. 

My room overlooked the Cathedral the place where Augustine came, where Thomas Beckett was murdered, and where we worshipped each day.

I felt a real sense of history as I walked the Cathedral at night by candlelight, climbed the Bell Harry Tower to look over Canterbury and learnt something of the way the Cathedral was built.

One day was spent in London at Lambeth Palace, where the Archbishop of Canterbury lives, a fascinating place. 

I certainly had no idea that the Lambeth Conference would be launched when we visited Lambeth Palace. It was a very special moment and it was fantastic to be a part of it. 

Sharing wisdom

The Cathedral staff led us in worship, cared for us, challenged our thinking and guided our learning.  They were just wonderful.

We met the staff of the Anglican Communion Office and heard of their valuable ministry. I knew the office existed, but I had little idea how they serve our Anglican Communion.

Like so many aspects of Church life they do a massive amount with minimal resources. 

It was a great joy was to spend time with the Archbishop of Canterbury.  His humility, his wisdom, his godliness and his knowledge just radiates and flows from him. 

It was a delight to be with him as he launched the Lambeth Conference at a Press Conference. 

A retired bishop shared his insights about the place of prayer in episcopal ministry. 

Others lectured us about the Bishop as liturgist, teacher, pastor and preacher.  Learning from key people within the Anglican Communion was a key part of this wonderful learning experience. It was an inspirational experience just to sit at their feet.     

International faces

Course participants came from Australia, Canada, India and various countries of the African continent. 

Less than one third of the course participants were white.  That says something about the composition of the Anglican Communion.

Learning from each other was so enriching.  Hearing how the bishops of the

Sudan and other places have to minister and the dangers they face daily, makes

ministry North Queensland a 'piece of cake'.

We have so much to thank God for in our Diocese. 

Candle-lit worship 

We attended the Cathedral for the Daily Offices and the Eucharist. 

One evening we participated in a candle light tour of the Cathedral concluding with a prayer service where Thomas Beckett's grave was located. 

It was very moving and I couldn't help feeling a sense of history and faithfulness through the ages.

The preaching was just superb and inspiring.  We certainly praised God.

It was wonderful to be a part of worshipping God at the Cathedral.

The ongoing part of this wonderful learning experience is to go on reflecting upon the insights gained, so that my ministry as a bishop continues to grow and develop under God and the Kingdom of God is extended here in this diverse and wonderful Diocese of North Queensland.