AAC STATEMENT ON THE RESOLUTION
OF THE ACCOKEEK CRISIS

The American Anglican Council (AAC) is thankful to God that an amicable
agreement has been reached between Christ Church (St. John's Parish)
Accokeek, Maryland, and the Diocese of Washington resolving a costly and
tragic crisis in that diocese.

We have been grieved by the great pastoral harm that has been inflicted upon
Christ Church, and we pray that from this agreement will spring healing and
reconciliation within the parish and the diocese.

We commend the new Bishop of Washington, the Rt. Rev. John Chane, for
swiftly seeking an end to this crisis by permitting Christ Church to call
the Rev. Stephen Arpee, an AAC clergy member, to be their rector.  We are
also pleased that Bishop Chane has written a "Letter of Assurance" to the
vestry of Christ Church in which he indicates that he will not attempt to
impede their expression of their biblically-orthodox faith.

Finally, it is with great excitement that we welcome Christ Church into the
AAC family as our newest parish affiliate. We pledge our continued prayers
and support for our brothers and sisters in Accokeek and for their new
rector. 

August 29, 2002

http://www.americananglican.org

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