Editorials in responsible Christian journals should be based on accurate facts. This is especially important when the integrity of a specific individual is called into question. The editorial on Bishop Jane Holmes Dixon of Washington [TLC, April 29] contains such egregious errors of fact that it stands as an unhappy example of sloppy journalism.

Bishop Dixon did not arrogate to herself the "uncanonical title" of Bishop of Washington, pro tempore, as the editorial claims. This designation is provided for in the canons of the Diocese of Washington and is used when a bishop suffragan is in place at the retirement or death of the diocesan bishop and is appointed by the standing committee as the ecclesiastical authority in the interim until a new bishop is chosen. It has been in place since the episcopate of Bishop John Walker. Bishop Ronald Haines bore this title in the period after Bishop Walker died and before he was elected diocesan bishop.

Bishop Dixon sought to observe the 30-day canonical provision for notifying a vestry of an objection to the call of a particular priest. Precisely because her behavior is not "tyrannical," she would not act under this provision until she had a face-to-face interview with Fr. Edwards in which he could explain his convictions and positions to her directly. That interview was scheduled within the 30 days, but the appointment was postponed by Fr. Edwards. The senior warden of the parish was apprised of the delay and the reason for it. Within days after the rescheduled appointment, Bishop Dixon notified the vestry that she would not approve of the call. There is absolutely no "abuse of power" under these circumstances.

With these facts now in hand, it is incumbent upon TLC to offer Bishop Dixon a public apology for it suninformed judgments and intemperate denigration of her character.

(The Rt. Rev.) A. Theodore Eastman

Bishop of Maryland, retired

McLean, Va.