Episcopal Diocese of Washington
Episcopal Church House - Mount St. Alban - Washington, DC 20016-5094

                 TEXT OF LETTER FROM THE RIGHT REVEREND JOHN BRYSON CHANE TO 
                                               BARBARA STURMAN, SENIOR WARDEN, 
                                           ST. JOHN'S PARISH, ACCOKEEK, MARYLAND


August 8, 2002
 

Ms Barbara Sturman, Senior Warden
St. John's Parish
600 Farmington Road West
Accokeek, MD 20607

Dear Barbara:

In the course of our recent discussions you suggested that it might be useful if I could briefly
summarize in written form the spirit and perspectives underlying the discussions that Paul Cooney
and I have had with you and other members of the Vestry of St. John's Parish since we began
meeting in early June. We have covered much territory in our time together; this letter is my attempt
to respond to this suggestion.

At the outset, once again I want to express my gratitude for the time you and other vestry
representatives have spent with Paul and me since we began our conversations. It has been both
pleasant and very helpful to begin to know each of you and to share our mutual concerns regarding
the relationship between the Vestry of St. John's Parish and the Diocese. We especially appreciated
the time you spent with us in late June at Christ Church. We were moved not just by this gracious
gesture but also by the beauty and history of the church building and grounds of Christ Church.

Our conversations have offered an opportunity for me to begin to understand some of the key issues
relating to the strained relationship between the Parish and Diocese in recent years. In any
relationship it is very important, of course, for all involved to understand the history and
background. But perhaps even more vital is the need to develop trust and begin the journey
forward.

We have identified some issues concerning theology and approach to biblical interpretation on
which many people at the Parish hold different views than do I. At the same time, I believe our
discussions have provided an opportunity to identify a far greater number of other aspects
concerning which our views and beliefs do not diverge. At one level, we share a common history
within the traditions of worship in The Episcopal Church. At a more profound level, we share
dedication to living into the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

I have shared with you my deep conviction that one of the greatest gifts of our common heritage as
Anglicans is our ability simultaneously to be in communion with one another notwithstanding the
existence of different views on important issues. Theologically, we have unity in our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ. At a practical level, we live into the reality of Christian community through
respect, trust and willingness to be in conversation through which we share our perspectives in a
dialogue that seeks not "winners" or "losers" but which seeks to promote common understanding
grounded in mutual trust and respect.

As we have discussed, I acknowledge the important reality that the clergy called to serve a
particular cure appropriately reflect the traditions and general theological perspectives of the people
of God in that particular place. In terms of my role as Bishop in working with parishes in this
diocese that are calling clergy, I have affirmed to you that my basic requirement is that proposed
clergy adhere to the doctrine, discipline and worship of The Episcopal Church. However, while
good order requires that any clergy who come into this diocese recognize my authority as bishop, I
also have assured you that in considering future candidates to serve as rector at St. John's Parish I
will not require that parish clergy be in agreement with my views on such matters, for example, as
human sexuality and the ordination of women to the priesthood.

You have shared, in a most direct and respectful manner, that some members of the Parish may
have reservations about receiving Confirmation by my hands and I have stated that I will not insist
that members of the Parish be confirmed or received by me. During our discussions we discussed
my willingness to permit "flying bishops" to exercise episcopal oversight and, as you may recall, I
have clearly stated my objection to the concept of "flying bishops," as this term commonly is used. 

Similarly, especially in light of the residence in the Diocese of other bishops (currently including, for
example, Bishop Bartlett, Bishop Eastman and Bishop Montgomery) I believe it would be
inappropriate for members of parishes in the Diocese, including Christ Church Accokeek, to seek
to be confirmed or received by bishops outside the Diocese. I reaffirm my willingness to be sensitive
to the concerns of members of the Parish regarding episcopal acts and to facilitate arrangements for
confirmation and reception by other bishops in the Diocese for persons who wish not to be
confirmed or received by me.

It has been wonderful to be in conversation, however difficult some aspects of our conversations
have been. Any diocese is enriched by the fullest participation by its members in the legislative and
pastoral activities of the diocese and we were most pleased at the presence of Fr. Arpee, you and
others from the Parish at the recent forum at St. Paul's, Piney. I look forward to continuing in
conversations during which we can affirm our agreement in the many areas that unite us and explore
for mutual benefit those issues which separate us. I also look forward with anticipation to
opportunities over future months and years to deepen the friendship and mutual trust that have
begun to develop in the course of our conversations. In particular, I look forward to meeting more
members of the Parish during my visit in September.

In Christ's Peace, Power and Love,

John Bryson Chane
Bishop of Washington