"I will continue to make canonical visitations to the Parish, of course, and work with candidates for ordination under Bishop Salmon's oversight," Bishop Chane wrote.

All Saints belongs to the Anglican Communion Network. "The Network is an organization that exists to be a united missionary movement within global Anglicanism, and is in theological disagreement with the Episcopal Church regarding the authority of Holy Scripture," said the Rev. Al Zadig, Jr., rector of All Saints, and a member of the Network's steering committee.

Bishop Salmon's diocese also belongs to the Network.

Bishop Chane said he has "long respected" Bishop Salmon, and has developed a warm relationship with him during their service together in the Episcopal Church's House of Bishops.

"I believe you will find him to be a reconciling figure in your midst and I bid you to welcome him to your community," he wrote to parishioners.

In accepting the appointment, Salmon also stressed the importance of his relationship with Bishop Chane. "It has put me in a place where I can be of help and pastoral support to both the parish and the bishop of Washington ," he said.

"This decision by Bishop Chane simply reflects the open recognition in both the House of Bishops and the House of Deputies at General Convention 2006 that 'we are two [theological] minds within one body,' " the Rev. Zadig, Jr., said. "The events on the international and national stage are now playing out on the local level. Despite all that, this generous act by Bishops Chane and Salmon will help us continue a thriving, growing and loving orthodox ministry in Washington ."

The two bishops will hold a meeting at All Saints at 4 p.m. on October 29.

http://www.edow.org/news/media/releases/2006/salmonappoint.html

END

The Right Reverend John Bryson Chane
Bishop of Washington

October 23, 2006

Dear People of Chevy Chase Parish:

I am pleased to announce that, after extensive and very productive conversations with your Rector and Wardens we have come to unanimous agreement under which I have invited Bishop Edward L. Salmon, currently Bishop of South Carolina, to provide supplemental pastoral oversight to your parish community.

Under this arrangement, Bishop Salmon has agreed to visit the parish from time to time, to confirm on my behalf and to supervise the process of discernment of individuals who wish to explore their potential call to ordination. I will continue to make canonical visitations to the parish, of course, and work with candidates for ordination under Bishop Salmon's oversight.

It has become evident in recent months that the current leaders and a substantial majority of the congregation believe that they have significant theological disagreements with me. By initiating the invitation to the leadership of All Saints to consider supplemental pastoral oversight and by asking Bishop Salmon to assist me in this way, I have sought to provide a path toward continued relationship. The goal before us remains, as the Archbishop of Canterbury has said, for us to seek to be in "the highest degree of communion" with one another.

I have long respected Bishop Salmon, and since joining the House of Bishops in 2002 I have had the pleasure of developing a warm personal relationship with him. I believe you will find him to be a reconciling figure in your midst and I bid you to welcome him to your community.

Bishop Salmon and I will be present at an all parish gathering at All Saints from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 29, 2006 . This will be a time when we can discuss Bishop Salmon's role at All Saints, and I hope you will be able to be present.

In Christ's Peace, Power and Love,

John Bryson Chane signature
The Rt. Rev. John Bryson Chane, D.D.
Bishop of Washington