Indaba Vino Veritas

There are some questions that really need answers. Yesterday, I learned that Bishop Gene Robinson (who really, really will retire, ...well... maybe... in 2013 after the liturgies for same sex blessings get the okay from General Convention 2012) has evidence that the Archbishop of Canterbury has been abducted by aliens. The story was in the Times, but since that link is not open ($$$) you have to go to "The Mail Online."

"Controversial American Anglican bishop Gene Robinson condemned Dr Rowan Williams for failing to stop internal rows over the ordination of women and gay priests.

The Bishop of New Hampshire said: 'I pray for him 'I have clergy friends who literally studied at Archbishop Williams' feet and who have said to me it is almost as if aliens have come and taken Rowan away from us.


'They have left something that looks like him but we don't recognise him any more.'"

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1331530/Archbishop-Canterbury-abducted-aliens-says-bishop-battle-gay-clergy.html#ixzz168Z7c7DW

You might think that the question that demands an answer is whether or not +VGR's assertion is true. One look at Rowan William's photo at The Mail might make one wonder. Sorry, but the real question is this, "How can we resolve this issue in an Anglican manner?"

I know, let's "Indaba."

 For those of you unfamiliar with this "indaba" scheme, the idea was initially foisted on the bishops of the Anglican Communion when they met at Lambeth in 2008.  Instead of arguing over pointless resolutions, the bishops were supposed to sit down and talk. In T.E.c. circles the word "indaba" is still floated around, often with a certain reverential spirit. Here is an explanation from the A.C.O. vault.

"In Indaba, we must be aware of these challenges (issues) without immediately trying to resolve them one way or the other. We meet and converse, ensuring that everyone has a voice, and contributes (in our case, praying that it might be under the guidance of the Holy Spirit) and that the issues at hand are fully defined and understood by all.
The purpose of the discussion is to find out the deeper convergences that might hold people together in difference and come to a deeper understanding of the topic or issues discussed. This will be achieved by seeking to understand exactly the thinking behind positions other than my own.
For Indaba to work, Indaba on day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4 etc should be seen as interrelated even if their themes differ. The whole becomes greater than the sum of the parts.
At the end of each Indaba session the discussion will be summarised seeking to honour each of the different voices that have been heard. These written summaries will help to shape the communications coming out of the Lambeth Conference."

As currently practised by T.E.c. and the AoC, no truth or consequences ever come from the "Indaba Process, " and therefore it would be the perfect way for The AoC and +VGR to come together with deeper convergence and to become a greater whole.

For that to happen +VGR might need to get an invitation to Lambeth next time.
On the other hand, they might do just as well with a few cases of this:

(Personal Photo: I saw this at Trader Joe's in NYC, and don't ask what I was doing in the wine section).

I wonder if aliens drink... wine?