Anglican Mainstream: Can you please tell us why you're here in Oxford?

George Sumner: It's a gathering of theologians. Theologians have a role to play at the present moment in the church, to give a theological rationale for our Communion. We're particularly grateful to be here with someone like Chris Sugden who reminds us of the global and southern perspective and dimension of that Communion.

Mainstream: Is there anything at the start of this meeting that you'd like to share with Anglicans across the whole world?

Kendall Harmon: We haven't lost our Gospel hope even in a time of great crisis. God is still God no matter what. There is a sense of central confidence in the Gospel that permeates our meeting, but also a sense of the need to respond with great seriousness to the crisis we face. It's a tremendous challenge.

There's also a sense of our own inadequacy which is actually a help. I was very moved by the fact that we began the day with a devotion and prayer.

Mainstream: What do you hope will be the result of this meeting?

Paul Zahl: First, in a state of some despair at times and "in the trenches" as many North Americans feel it is a tremendous encouragement to be with people like Alister McGrath, Chris Sugden, Oliver O'Donovan and Andrew Goddard and others who have not yet given up the fight and are really working in fellowship to affirm the Gospel in a very troubled and muddy situation. I feel strengthened by them.

In a more concrete way there's a possibility that we might produce some kind of submission to the church at large, some kind of a statement that's quiet, scholarly and theological that might make an impact for good. A positive and clear statement of Gospel orthodoxy in the face of the challenges that we very much feel in our home contexts and feel to an only slightly lesser extent here at Wycliffe Hall.

I agree by the way with Kendall Harmon who spoke of the devotional at the start of the day that Alister McGrath led, that assured us that the presence of the Lord was never to be questioned. He is with us in all times and places and that inevitably gives us the sense ultimately of being on the winning side as far as the Kingdom of Heaven is concerned, and that meant a great deal to me personally.

Mainstream: What's the best part about having this meeting in Oxford?

Kendall Harmon: Oxford is where my two youngest children were born, where I did my doctorate and I never fail to be inspired by the Spires!

George Sumner: I'm taking my children home a really nice English Soccer shirt and some sharp English shoes for my daughter.

Paul Zahl: The remarkable weather that totally drenched me when I arrived at the station yesterday and all my papers and all my under-things were completely and totally destroyed. I'm very glad to be home in lovely Oxford as always!

Mainstream: Thanks so much for taking time out to talk to us, and our best wishes and prayers for the rest of your meeting.

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