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[Back to index of December 2007 articles] Reaching Out to Ex-Pats and Embassies By Kevin Ward On Nov. 11, St. David's, D.C., held its annual Remembrance Day ceremony. The service, a British tradition that was started to mark the end of hostilities of World War I, reflects the solid and growing link between St. David's and the Embassy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The service incorporates an act of remembrance, which this year included a calling of an honor roll of St. David's parishioners who served in the armed forces during World War II. Prominent diplomatic officials from the U.K. were on hand to participate, including Sir Nigel Sheinwald, British Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador of New Zealand Roy Ferguson and Lt. Col. Andrew Plant of the Australian Defence Staff. The Rev. Robin Dodge, rector of St. David's, presided at the service, which drew more than 300 people – more than the church could hold. The overflow watched the ceremony via television from the undercroft. "Beforehand there is always a question of attendance with the embassies," Dodge said. "But this year they and the neighbors came out in droves. It was really a sight to see, with many of the officials showing up in full uniform." Participation from non-parishioners in Remembrance Sunday, which was started at St. David's in the mid-1970s, has waxed and waned, sometimes with a larger military presence, sometimes with the presence of a few diplomatic officials. A few years ago, Dodge's predecessor, the Rev. Joseph Lund, was able to get former British Prime Minister John Major to participate, which sparked a resurgence in upper-level officials. "When somebody who is well known comes, it supports that relationship," Dodge said. "Especially within the embassies, the participation of upper-level officials creates a trickle-down effect which definitely helped get us the turnout we enjoyed this year." The service stayed close to the traditional British ceremony and included anthems performed by the choir and a member of the British Royal Air Force playing "Last Post," a traditional military bugle call. Afterwards, attendees were invited to a reception in the undercroft. The service is only one part of St. David's growing relationship with the British Embassy. The Rev. Frances Canham, deacon associate at St. David's, is working out the details of her new appointment as Chaplain to the British Embassy, a joint initiative of the Embassy and the Diocese of Washington that was created at Bishop John Bryson Chane's behest. The position will not only serve the many Anglicans at the embassy, Canham says. She is also developing a network for interdenominational and interfaith referrals. St. David's was chosen for this ministry because of its previous relationship with the embassies, and Canham, herself a British citizen, is already known to many of the families and officials of the British Embassy. The program aims to serve both liturgical and pastoral needs. The liturgical aspect allows the diocese to be there for British expatriates during a crisis, or to help coordinate and follow through with traditional events such as Remembrance Sunday. The pastoral aspect supports individuals and establishes relationships. Canham hopes the direct connection between the embassy and the diocese will enable increased efficiency. "There were already some unofficial channels for people to use if problematic issues arose, but as they were more independent, issues were only heard after they had already grown into a problem," she said. [Back to index of December 2007 articles]
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