The Rt Revd Tim Thornton, Bishop of Truro, says it is clear there are “major differences in the room” at the Roman Catholic Synod on the Family in Rome where he is representing the Anglican church.

Writing in his blog, Bishop Tim said the process was still not clear or easy for many and mused on the difficulties of holding together a body with universal authority when there were so many local expressions relating to very different local circumstances.

While in Rome, Bishop Tim has been joining in debates around divorce and homosexuality and has even managed to squeeze in a couple of minutes with Pope Francis.

The Rt Revd Tim Thornton, Bishop of Truro meets Pope Francis watched by the Revd Tim McQuiban, the Methodist fraternal delegate and a the Methodist Minister in Rome PHOTO CREDIT: All image rights and copyrights reserved to the Photographic Service of L'Osservatore Romano

The Rt Revd Tim Thornton, Bishop of Truro meets Pope Francis watched by the Revd Tim McQuiban, the Methodist fraternal delegate and a Methodist Minister in Rome
PHOTO CREDIT: All image rights and copyrights reserved to the Photographic Service of L’Osservatore Romano

He has also found the time to keep the people at home in the Diocese of Truro up-to-date with his experiences via his blog and Twitter.

The Bishop is taking part as the Anglican Fraternal delegate at the synod joining hundreds of bishops from all over the world who have gathered to discuss various issues relating to Family.

Along with all the others attending, Bishop Tim, who is also President of the Association of Interchurch Families, had the opportunity to speak for three minutes in the main gathering as well as taking part in small group workshops.

Speaking before he left, Bishop Tim said: “I will be one of about ten fraternal delegates from the main Christian denominations and traditions.

“I will be listening to contributions which will of course vary enormously. Some will be very much in favour of the suggested changes and the direction of travel. Some will be keen to keep to what they regard as the traditional teaching.

Bishop Tim vatican video

Bishop Tim talks to the Vatican website. Click image to watch the interview

“It will be quite fascinating to observe how the meeting works and what, if anything, happens in public and what happens behind the scenes. I am looking forward to being there and will be fascinated to compare what I know and experience of the Church of England decision making process with what happens in Rome.”

He added: “I will be intrigued to hear whether we can all understand ourselves as related one to another and each of us members of the human family.”

The Synod is due to finish on October 24.

Follow Bishop Tim on Twitter: @BishopTruro
Read his blog at www.trurodiocese.org.uk/press-office/bishop-tims-blog/

PHOTO CREDIT: All image rights and copyrights reserved to the Photographic Service of L’Osservatore Romano