The church I am part of on a Wednesday night always has an eclectic group of priests visiting to preach or take the service. Last night was no exception! We had the Episcopalian Bishop of Iowa leading our worship and after the service he spoke to us about what its like to be part of the Episcopal Church in the United States at the moment.

He hadn't preached so this was our first and only chance to listen to his wisdom.

He spoke powerfully of the need to listen and draw alongside people. We seem to shrink away from contact, preferring to send messages of good (or ill) will rather than hop in the car or on a train or plane to go and meet that person face to face.. To identify with their pain or need, share in their joy or grief, simply to just be in their physical presence...

He spoke about how theology by email has shrunk the process and somehow allowed it to wither. Emails are short and functional. They don't allow the breadth and depth of theology to expand...

But most strikingly he spoke about Japan and the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding there before us. He spoke about how the world must reach out and provide for their basic needs: water, food, shelter. He also remarked that the last time Japan had faced such a catastrophe America had been the source. You could sense the shared grief in him....

How privileged I am...