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[Back to index of July/August articles] Canon Peete to retire By Jim Naughton The Reverend Nan Arrington Peete is retiring as Canon for Deployment and Ordination on October 1. Peete came to Washington from a similar position in the Diocese of Southern Ohio in March 2003. Her primary responsibilities included overseeing the ordination process, clergy deployment and the congregational search process. “The Rev. Canon Nan Peete’s announced retirement ends a ministry that was legendary for its impact on deployment practices in the Episcopal Church,” Bishop John Bryson Chane said in a statement. “Nan has been a leader for years in deployment ministry and I have been blessed to have her serve in the Diocese of Washington for these past three years. All of us have benefited from her experience and wisdom. “I am delighted that upon retirement she will continue to make her home in the diocese, and work with us as a consultant. I am also confident she will also serve as a supply priest and interim. To that end she will forever retain her title as a Canon of the Diocese of Washington.” Peete, who was ordained a priest in 1985, said she found people in the diocese “to be some of the most faithful people I have encountered. “They are generous, forgiving, compassionate and loving,” she said. “They have an understanding of mission beyond themselves. They know the church is there for those outside their doors and work hard to make all feel welcomed. I think the Bishop has an extraordinary staff who are dedicated and faithful to make this Diocese the best in the Anglican communion. It was a joy to come to work here every day.” Chane said he hoped to name Peete’s successor in “several months.” During her 20 year career, Peete held a number of high profile positions. She was canon to the ordinary in the Diocese of Atlanta and associate for pastoral care at Trinity Church, Wall Street, in New York City. She was also active in the Anglican Communion. “The proudest moment of my career occurred in 1988 when I was invited to be the first ordained woman to address the Lambeth Conference,” Peete said. “The second moment occurred when I actually addressed the bishops, spouse, consultants and a hoard of media. While it was the proudest moment it was also the most terrifying, because I was wondering whether or not I could say something that would have meaning beyond my own story or even the Episcopal Church.” Her presentation received a standing ovation led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Peete also participated in another first for Anglican women, the February 1989 consecration of the Right Rev. Barbara Harris as the first female bishop in the Communion. Peete, a friend of Harris’s since 1976, was one of six concelebrants at the Eucharist. “I had never been to a worship service with 8,500 people from around the world in a place that had been transformed from a convention center to a holy space,” she said of the atmosphere in Hynes Convention Center in Boston. “It was electric filled with the spirit. One of those moments when I was so proud to be Episcopalian.” For much of her career, Peete oversaw the recruitment and training of deacons and priests. “Going to celebrations of new ministries and ordinations are the rewards of my ministry,” she said. “Helping those discern their call, whether to seek ordination or discern a new ordained ministry position, and working with congregations in the time of transitions make what I do a joy and privilege and not a job.” Contact Jim Naughton at jnaughton@edow.org [Back to index of July/August articles]
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