• Tales of the City #8

    The scene is Glasgow Pride. The protagonists are making their way down Argyll Street in Finnieston. I am dressed in a black suit, clerical collar and small lapel ribbon in all the colours of the rainbow. The group I am with all carry colourful posters proclaiming “The Scottish Episcopal Church Welcomes You”. Mine is mauve. 

    A young man sidles up to walk beside me.

    Young Man: Hi!

    Self: Hello! Where are you from?

    Young Man: Well, Australia, actually. 

    The Young Man pauses.

    Young Man: I just, er, I just wanted to ask you something.

    Self: Oh, OK, ask away.

    Young Man: Well, are you real?

    Self: Oh yes, I’m very real.

    The Young Man gestures with his head towards the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence who, beautifully bedecked in Catherine Laboré style wimples and rainbow habits of various styles are waving a large rainbow flag in front of us.

    Young Man: Yes, but the nuns?

    The Young Man pauses.

    Young Man: They are not real. Right?

    Self: Right.

     

2 responses to “ACC-19 – The Anglican Consultative Council in Belfast”

  1. Tim Chesterton Avatar

    Thank you for this encouraging account!

  2. Philip Groves Avatar
    Philip Groves

    Kelvin – I recognise everything your write.
    I have not commented on the nonsense of the Nairobi-Cairo Proposals becsue I knew they were written from a deep ignorance of the reality of the Anglican Communion and would be rejected.
    I wish I could have been with you it is so inspiring.
    As ever you write with such beauty about a beautiful mystery. The Anglican Communion is so flawed and imperfect, it has no great internal logic, but it is saved by our God who loves friendship (bonds of affection/konoina/loving your neighbour who can be a ‘Samaritan).

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