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'Indaba' is a Zulu word meaning 'business' or 'matter, and its the name being given to the small group discussions here at the Lambeth Conference. More sceptical bishops have re-baptised the groups 'indaba-daba-doo' groups; one episcopal rake was overheard saying, 'We're having are meetings in-da-ba'.

For an official explanation of the groups, we must turn to Rowan Williams: "We have given these the African name of indaba groups, groups where in traditional African culture, people get together to sort out the problems that affect them all, where everyone has a voice and where there is an attempt to find a common mind or a common story that everyone is able to tell when they go away from it. This is how we approached it. This is what we heard. This is where we arrived as we prayed and thought and talked together."

I've just walked passed a couple of indaba groups meeting al fresco (to enjoy the wonderful weather we've all been enjoying here in the English south-east). A dozen or so bishops meet in a circle for a Bible study, and they talk, pray, and listen to each other. Today, the focus of the discussion will turn -- finally -- to the question of human sexuality. I've spoken to a number of bishops who have felt frustrated with this conference's slow arrival at the topic everyone is talking about in the cafes and bars. But today is the day they get to face the issue of Gene Robinson's episcopal ordination (or it's as close as they will get to facing it at Canterbury). For this reason, some of my colleagues in the media centre have been describing today as 'Gay Thursday'. Gene Robinson took part in a fringe event last night, answering questions about his selection as a bishop and the polity issues around his consecration. There will be a plenary session later today for feed back on some of the issues explored in the indaba groups.