Lord Carey of Clifton

I had the privilege, along with approximately fifty of my clergy colleagues, of having breakfast with the former Archbishop of Canterbury, George Carey, whose official title is now Lord Carey of Clifton. (As Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey was the spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion, comprised of over seventy million Anglicans throughout the world.) His wife and he are in Rhode Island to help celebrate the 300th anniversary of St. Paul's, Wickford. Lord Carey shared with us some of his spiritual autobiography, drawing on four different spiritual traditions that he says inspired and shaped his faith: evangelical, catholic, liberal, and charismatic. It was inspiring to hear this spiritual leader speak so personally. I found it fascinating to contemplate all of the influences that have shaped who I am as a child of God and as a priest in God's church. What has shaped your spiritual journey? Where have you experienced God's presence in your life?

One of Carey's favorite prayers is:
Lord Jesus Christ, the Master Carpenter of Nazareth, on a cross through wood and nails you have wrought man's salvation; wield well your tools in this workshop, so that we who come to you rough hewn, may by you be fashioned according to your will; for the sake of your tender mercy. Amen.

Regardless of how "rough hewn" we may be, we have confidence that God continues to shape us into the people that God desires us to be so that we can experience the fullness of life as God intended for each of us. Thanks be to God!


Learn more about Lord Carey at his official website.