We returned from Florida on Monday afternoon, after spending four fine days in Jacksonville, Florida, in glorious sunshine amid other Cathedral deans and their spouses/partners. As meetings go, this one was pretty light, with only a total of about 4 hours of actual sessions. Frank Griswold, the outgoing Presiding Bishop of ECUSA, was our main speaker, with the topic "Cathedrals as Spaces for Reconciliation." His first talk went back to his time as Dean of the Cathedral in Chicago, reflecting on the nature of Cathedrals as churches for the whole city. The other sessions ranged more widely, drawing on his time as Bishop and Presiding Bishop.

Bishop Griswold reminded us of Desmond Tutu's equation:

    Truth + Forgiveness = Reconciliation

Truth and forgiveness are gifts of God, always available like the water from an ever-flowing spring. Springs get clogged up with debris like leaves and deadfall. Our task as ministers of reconciliation is to clear away the debris, and let the living water flow.

The people of St. John's Cathedral, Jacksonville, taught us another lesson in practical church life. The hospitality we received was truly wonderful, giving me much to think about over the next few months.

Then there was the networking -- sharing news, views, and experiences with people in similar (and sometimes very dissimilar) ministries. And, of course, a bit of fun, relaxation, and sight-seeing.

A good and productive time. Thanks be to God.