Presentment signed against Bp. Dixon

Robert Stowe England | 12 July 2001

WASHINGTON, D. C. -- At 10 a.m. this morning at the law offices of deKieffer & Horgan, attorney Charles Nalls, who represents the rector and vestry of Christ Church in Accokeek, Maryland, collected notarized signatures of 37 presenters who are bringing charges against Acting Bishop Jane Dixon.

The presentment, which will be sent to Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold by overnight mail and hand delivered by Nalls himself tomorrow at Church House, charges that Dixon has broken canon law in her handling of the call of Fr. Samuel Edwards to be rector of Christ Church, Accokeek.

Among the 37 presenters are 3 priests -- Fr. Stephen Arpee of the Diocese of Washington, The Rev. Judith Gentle of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, and Fr. David Moyer, rector of Good Shepherd, Rosemont, in the Diocese of Pennsylvania. More priests may be added.

There are 34 lay presenters representing 10 different parishes within the Diocese of Washington. Under the canons a presentment can be brought against a bishop by 8 presenters, 6 laity and 2 priests, with at least one of the priests from the diocese in which the bishop holds office.

More details to come.