London School of Theology faculty Geraldine Latty-Luce and Carey Luce, along with students on the Theology, Music and Worship programme Orlando and Yanice were part of the group leading worship at the Lambeth Conference which ran from 27 July until 7th August.

With Geraldine on vocals, Carey playing keyboards, Orlando playing a range of guitars and Yanice on violin they, along with the rest of the 12-piece band, led or contributed to many sessions and offices including Morning Eucharists, Evening Prayers, a Big Sing, Jazz Evening, Bishop and Spouses Retreats and the opening and closing services at Canterbury Cathedral where the song ‘Devotion’, which was written by Geraldine, Carey and friend Matt Weeks, was the final hymn for the closing ceremony of the Conference.

Geraldine says, “It was a rare honour to hear ‘Devotion’ filling Canterbury Cathedral as 100s of people including Bishops, Spouses and team, gave voice to this sung worship expression.  We wrote ‘Devotion’ back in March 2021 (well before our invitation to join the Lambeth Conference) exploring the rich themes found in 1 Peter 1.  Imagine our surprise to find out in January 2022 that the Lambeth Conference Bible Expositions, by Archbishop Justin Welby, would be based on 1 Peter!”    

The conference saw bishops and their spouses from the 165 countries of the Anglican Communion gather in Canterbury to pray, study scripture, discuss global needs and to seek God for the coming decade.

The main bible text expounded during the week was 1 Peter, looking at the themes of hope, suffering, despair, joy, holiness and exile. With a daily 7.15am Eucharist, Evening Prayer, rehearsals and concerts, this proved to be a full and enriching timetable.

Geraldine concludes “As Carey and I look back, there is a lot to be thankful for, as well as much to reflect on and, after 2 weeks of 5.30am vocal warm-ups – it’s time for a rest too!”