As I write, humid and thundery showers are predicted in Rome, Italy, as the Primates of the Anglican Communion reach half-time in their historic meeting.
Senior archbishops, presiding bishops, and moderators from churches across the globe have gathered for what we are told will be a time conceived as a pilgrimage. They will pray and study the book of Acts, visit holy sites in Rome, and reflect together about the mission and witness of the Church in the world.
A number of Primates from the Global South have decided not to attend. Despite the programme including pilgrimage to the incredible Basilicas of both St Peter’s and Saint Paul Outside the Walls (where St Paul the Apostle is buried), plus visits to the Cistercian Abbey at Tre Fontane and Santa Maria in Trastevere (one of the oldest churches in Rome), from initial group photographs it looks like at least a quarter of the Primates haven’t joined the group. The Archbishops of Rwanda, Uganda and Nigeria are among those absent, their respective provinces together estimated to total almost 20 million worshipping Anglicans.
