The annual Guild of All Souls conference, held at Ascot Priory, came to end this afternoon amidst blue skies and glorious sunshine. One again it was a resounding success and presented a fantastic opportunity for learning, collegiality, refreshment and relaxation. As the photograph shows, + Keith & Fr Ursell got things off to a bang yesterday- a welcome reception of champagne and canapés awaiting us in the grounds. It certainly put a smile on Fr Ivan’s face!
A splendid dinner followed which offered an opportunity to chat with fellow guild priests, sharing good practice and bonding together. After morning prayer the main subject at breakfast was the consternation caused because Fr Ursell had neglected to turn on the hot water! Still it gave us a better feel for the ascetic life. We then gathered for the main lecture, Fr Jonathon Baker conversing on the theme of priesthood. His superb lecture was informative, engaging and highly appropriate and helped us to ponder the nature of priesthood, questioning the tension between an ontological and functional approach. This led us to examine in discussion how many of the present troubles within the Anglican communion might stem from a radically different perspective regarding holy orders.
After discussion we moved to the chapel for Mass before a delicious lunch of lasagne and salad. We then gathered again in the common room for a final session, with each priest sharing news from their own personal setting. It was, once again, a well organised and enjoyable 24hrs and I am very grateful to the Guild for their hospitality and pastoral care. And the grounds of Ascot Priory were simply magnificent…
