The Lambeth Conference is the one occasion when all bishops can meet for worship, study and conversation. Archbishops, diocesan, assistant and suffragan bishops are invited. Also invited are bishops from other churches 'in communion' with the Anglican Communion, bishops from United Churches and a number of ecumenical guests.

MDG day on 23^rd July

'Lambeth Daily' report for the day from the Lambeth Conference

The theme on 23^rd July was the Bishop's role in transforming society and social justice. This day provided a forum to discuss many of the issues affecting Anglican churches and their communities. The majority of the 80 million members of the Anglican Communion are from developing countries.

The Reverend David Peck, the Archbishop of Canterbury's former Secretary for International Development addressed Douglas Alexander, the Secretary of State for International Development, with a number of bishops including the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, to highlight the role the church in education in fragile state settings and the church's role in scholastic development. 

Revd. David Peck, Archbishop of Canterbury's Secretary for International Development, Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development and Bishop Nyaboho of Makamba, Burundi. 

Women's Rights must be achieved if MDGs are to be reached

Helen Wangusa, the Anglican Observer to the UN, spoke out to highlight the lack of progress being made towards gender equality and empowerment, women as participants in paid work and maternal health.

Ms Wangusa emphasised that women are integral to community building and the alleviating of suffering.  She added that the Anglican Church is integral to achieving these overall goals, even in areas where conflict and antagonism towards the church complicates development efforts.

"If gender and women's empowerment are not taken into account, we will not achieve any development, even with our MDGs as a framework," she said. "If we look at the world through a gender filter, it will inform us of what needs to happen in all of our goals."

Walk of Witness on 24^th July 2008

On 24^th July at the Lambeth Conference, Dr Rowan Williams was joined in his plea to governments across the world by UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who addressed the audience of 650 Anglican bishops and representatives from other faith groups and Churches. The rally, set in the courtyard of Lambeth Palace, followed a walk of witness through central London, where up to 1,500 faith leaders, diplomats, parliamentarians and NGO heads took to the streets to highlight the urgent need for more action on tackling poverty through sustainable solutions.