Episcopal Press and News

Lambeth Briefs

Episcopal News Service. August 11, 1988 [88181]

CANTERBURY, England (DPS, Aug. 11) -- Bishops and other participants at the Lambeth Conference observed a day of fasting followed by a prayer vigil throughout the night, July 28-29, as an expression of solidarity with the suffering peoples of Africa. The overnight vigil began with Evening Prayer and a Service of Light led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu of Southern Africa, who offered three meditations. An hourly cycle of prayer, begun and concluded with Southern Africa, recognized Japan, the Indian subcontinent, United States, Middle East, New Zealand, Ireland, Central America, Melanesia and Papua New Guinea, and Southeast Asia. During the fast that preceded the vigil, Conference participants skipped the usual noon meal and ate only a light supper. African bishops had proposed the day of fasting.