The Living Church

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The Living ChurchMay 12, 1996Third Visit Is Less Acrimonious by James B. Simpson212(19) p. 10

Third Visit Is Less Acrimonious
Bishop Dixon Celebrates Eucharist at St. Paul's, K Street
by James B. Simpson

Contrasting sharply with the cold reception to protested visitations to two other Washington parishes earlier this year, the Rt. Rev. Jane Dixon, Suffragan Bishop of Washington, celebrated and preached in a crowded St. Paul's, K Street, in Washington, April 21.

Not only was Bishop Dixon's presence noteworthy, but also that of the rector, the Rev. Richard C. Martin, who had been prepared to begin a sabbatical that would end with his resignation in October. Fr. Martin still plans to go through with his resignation, but in response to parishioners' pleas not to leave them without the counsel of a pastor, he postponed his departure.

Bishop Dixon celebrated the Solemn Eucharist at 11:15 a.m., supported by a full choir. The parish's other celebrations, at 7:45 and 9 a.m., had larger congregations than usual. Fr. Martin told those in attendance, "the visitation violates many consciences, disregards a legitimate theological position, disrespects a recognized and noble tradition, and further divides an already diverse community."

Prior to the 11:15 Eucharist, Fr. Martin met Bishop Dixon at the door and read a statement declaring that "this forced visitation has deeply wounded and broken this parish. This has always been a diverse congregation with strongly held convictions and opinion, but held together in a most delicate and careful way, undergirded by a passion for the gospel and the catholic tradition, and made possible by the centrality of the Eucharist."

Fr. Martin said the divisions are "deep and profound," and added that "your visit is a cause of much distress.

"On behalf of more than half this parish, I must express to you their anguish and hurt," he continued. "But there are many for whom this visitation is welcomed (even they would question its method), and on their behalf I welcome you to St. Paul's."

Bishop Dixon acknowledged Fr. Martin with a nod and the wardens showed her to the sacristy.

The day's only awkward moment occurred as the procession reached the high altar. "You are a false prophet! God will judge you, Jane Dixon!" shouted an unidentified man from the back of the church.

In her sermon, Bishop Dixon preached on her recurring themes of respect and dignity for all Christians and the dominance of love as the essence of true Christian relationships.

Bishop Dixon became the first woman to celebrate the Eucharist in the well-known Anglo-Catholic parish. Her earlier visits to St. Luke's Church, Bladensburg, Md. [TLC, Feb. 4] and Ascension and St. Agnes, Washington [TLC, Feb. 25] had resulted in the absence of most parishioners.

(The Rev.) James B. Simpson