Bishop Lee Rayfield

Suffragan Bishop of Swindon, based in the Diocese of Bristol.

[Bishop Lee Rayfield @LeeRayfield]

Could not send the tweet at the start for unexplained reasons but here is part of the end!

[Bishop Lee Rayfield @LeeRayfield]

So here we are in Canterbury’s breathtaking Cathedral for the closing Service of Communion for this gathering of bishops from the Anglican Communion. It has been an amazing time with a deep sense of encouragement and appreciation of belonging together in the cause of Christ

[Bishop Lee Rayfield @LeeRayfield]

Meeting with a small group of bishops from very different contexts to reflect on ++Justin’s expositions of 1 Peter have been a high point for me of the Lambeth Conference. Today we reflected on chapter 5: being Shepherds after the example of Christ and the ‘roaring lions’ for us.

[Bishop Lee Rayfield @LeeRayfield]

Although I had not realised it Perhaps that conversation with the Lutheran bishop landed so well for me is because of the cycle ride I have just completed and the people I am wanting to make a difference for in the town I live and serve https://t.co/WprenHH5LI

[Bishop Lee Rayfield @LeeRayfield]

Yesterday at Lambeth Palace, a Lutheran Bishop told me of how one of their buildings became a church for the homeless. In time others started coming who were holding positions of importance. They found they were far more at home when status was measured in very different terms.

[Bishop Lee Rayfield @LeeRayfield]

It is the conversations with others from across the globe which have been the most educational and inspiring part of this Conference. Today the Bible reading opened the themes of suffering and of hospitality. With respect to the latter, ecumenical voices are also contributing.

[Bishop Lee Rayfield @LeeRayfield]

@MrWButterfield @LambethConfNews Dear William. Thank you for your message which I found helpful and well expressed.

[Bishop Lee Rayfield @LeeRayfield]

Just arriving at Lambeth Palace with over 1300 bishops and their spouses from across the globe. Hearing how different the situations and contexts in which my brother and sister bishops has been a key part of the Conference for me and has been humbling and inspiring.

[Bishop Lee Rayfield @LeeRayfield]

Today has been particularly full but the tyre is sorted and getting about the Campus much easier .++ Justin has been brilliant with a powerful exposition of 1 Peter 3 this morning and a superbly crafted letter to Bishops of the Anglican Communion read later. Pray for its receipt

[Bishop Lee Rayfield @LeeRayfield]

Really good session this morning on being in Communion as Anglican Christians. Archbishops from a range of Provinces shared their history and present situations. It was rich and real about differences and challenges but the value and importance of being Anglican shone through.

[Bishop Lee Rayfield @LeeRayfield]

Having attended the 2008 Lambeth Conference I was keen to avoid the miles of walking required to get to venues for sessions and those allocated for breakfast, lunch or evening meals. I brought with me the bike I had purchased in Canterbury 14 years ago. First outing: flat tyre!

[Bishop Lee Rayfield @LeeRayfield]

Sobering afternoon plenary session on the theme of Safe Church. A harrowing and brave account of a woman’s experience which was very powerful and will stay with me. She spoke of what had happened to her and the ways in which it had distorted her pursuit of love and of God.

[Bishop Lee Rayfield @LeeRayfield]

Amazing gathering in Canterbury Cathedral this morning. Bussed in from the University of Kent Campus in a stream of Yellow Double-Deckers, there was a wonderful sense of being from a remarkable variety of global contexts. Yet there was also a deep sense of union in purpose.

[Bishop Lee Rayfield @LeeRayfield]

PS if FTBTTT did not mean anything visit https://t.co/WprenHH5LI

[Bishop Lee Rayfield @LeeRayfield]

Having returned from FTBTTT and endeavoured with Chris Dobson’s support to produce regular blogs, having arrived at the Lambeth Conference yesterday afternoon, it seems timely to post again on this medium. Now sitting in the grounds of Canterbury Cathedral.

[Bishop Lee Rayfield @LeeRayfield]

The Town may have lost 4-1 tonight but their performance against a team capable of humbling the best in Europe is not only a credit to them but to all those who have supported them through tough times. Under new management and Club leadership the future is looking bright.

[Bishop Lee Rayfield @LeeRayfield]

Jesus may have taken the penalty but it was Ward who saved this time! (Gabriel Jesus for Man City if you are wondering.