Today I have flown to New York City for the meeting of the board of Friends of Canterbury Cathedral, US (FOCCUS). I think I’ve rambled about this in the past, but it’s been awhile. FOCCUS’ mission is to support the mother church of Anglicanism, particularly the Canterbury Scholars Program of which I am an alumnus.
The Scholars Program is a unique opportunity within the Anglican Communion to gather Anglican seminarians and new priests from all over the globe. I attended the Program in its third year, and that was fifteen years ago. Bringing together new and future clergy in such a way helps incarnate the beauty and gift of the Anglican Compass Rose, this symbol of our Communion that reminds us that our brother and sisters of the prayer book are found in every corner of the world. Such connections are a gift and a rarity within much of Christendom.
This meeting provides an interesting opportunity to reflect on Canterbury in the aftermath of the fire at Notre Dame. The Cathedral is constantly working to maintain the structure itself, as nature and gravity are unrelenting in their assaults. But equally important are the less physical aspects of Canterbury; the history, traditions, and active witness that flows out from its hallowed grounds.
Like Notre Dame, its roots go back more than a millennia. Next year will mark 850 years since Thomas Becket was murdered. Such anniversaries drive home the reality of just how long there have been Christians on the close. It’s such a storied history that the Pope is getting together the modern day counterparts of the Archbishops alive at Becket’s martyrdom for an anniversary commemoration next July.
Among the things we discussed we acknowledged that the fire at Notre Dame reminds us all of how fragile our histories and buildings are, which pairs with a similar reminder about people too, as we consider the Easter Day attacks on churches. And yet in both cases, there is also strength. Such historic spaces have always adapted, rebuilt, added on, and repaired. Similarly, communities ebb and flow over time; influence and energy wanes and rushes depending on the generation. Through it all, the gospel is preached and passed on.
Such histories and legacies continue to shape today and tomorrow. We heard an interesting presentation about insights from an analysis of medieval stained glass at the cathedral. There are things no one yet knows about the windows, the stories depicted in them, and what parts are original or restored. While the insights gained in the last two years of research may not change the world today, they also inform, challenge, and inspire us at the same time.
I’m honored to play a VERY small roll in fostering the ministry of Canterbury Cathedral. It’s mind-boggling to consider how many have labored similarly for more generations than I can count. I suspect as long as there are people on this earth, this work will continue, and rightly so.
Tom+
Gracious Father, we pray for thy holy Catholic Church. Fill it with all truth, in all truth with all peace. Where it is corrupt, purify it; where it is in error, direct it; where in any thing it is amiss, reform it. Where it is right, strengthen it; where it is in want, provide for it; where it is divided, reunite it; for the sake of Jesus Christ thy Son our Savior. Amen.