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Episcopal Diocese of Washington
Episcopal Church House - Mount St. Alban - Washington, DC 20016-5094
JOINT STATEMENT OF AGREEMENT OF
THE RT. REV. JOHN B. CHANE, BISHOP OF WASHINGTON
AND
BARBARA K. STURMAN, SENIOR WARDEN,
ST. JOHN'S PARISH, ACCOKEEK, MARYLAND
St. John's Parish, Accokeek, MD- August 29, 2002 - Shortly following Bishop Chane's
consecration as the Eighth Bishop of Washington he and Paul Cooney, Canon to the Ordinary,
embarked on what became a series of luncheon meetings with Barbara Sturman, Senior Warden
of Christ Episcopal Church, St. John's Parish, The Rev. Stephen Arpee, Priest-in-Charge of the
Parish and several representatives of the Vestry. By agreement among all participants, while
the existence of the meetings has been publicly acknowledged, no public statements have
been made concerning the content of these discussions until now.
These extended confidential discussions have provided an outstanding opportunity for all
concerned to become acquainted and to engage in candid and direct conversation regarding
the relationship between the Vestry of St. John's Parish and the Diocese of Washington. The
purpose of these meetings has been to develop an understanding of mutual concerns, identify
a path toward reconciliation between the Vestry and the Diocese and begin to establish a
relationship based upon trust. The discussions were wide ranging, candid and cordial at all
times.
We are pleased to announce important agreements that have resulted from our discussions:
1. Effective immediately, in accordance with the unanimous request of the Vestry, and with
the full support of Bishop Chane, The Rev. Stephen Arpee will become the Rector of the Parish.
2. The Vestry has determined not to submit a petition to the Supreme Court of the United
States that would seek that Court's review of the recent opinion of the Court of Appeals of
the Fourth Circuit which affirmed the decision of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District
of Virginia in Dixon v. Edwards, et al. This determination effectively brings this litigation to conclusion.
The course of events involving the Parish and the Diocese over the past several years has
been painful for all concerned. However, even as all concerned must acknowledge this pain, it
is essential to affirm that the call of the Gospel is a call to live into a relationship in the future
that is grounded firmly on commitment to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Our recent
discussions have offered the opportunity to discuss areas of disagreement in the context of
mutual respect and trust.
Perhaps even more significantly, these discussions also have provided the opportunity to
explore the greater number of areas of agreement. Representatives of the Vestry and Bishop
Chane have agreed that they will continue to remain in communication over coming months
toward the end of continuing to build upon what has already been achieved. The Vestry also
has agreed to resume its participation in both the legislative and pastoral life of the Diocese of
Washington.
Bishop Chane is scheduled to conduct a regular visitation at the Parish on September 22,
2002, and the Vestry looks forward to welcoming him to the Parish on that occasion.
END
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