In response to the editorial, "Bishop Dixon Strikes Again," I write to correct and clarify several matters.

First, Bishop Dixon is best known for her courage, her understanding, and her loving pastoral ministry to all in the Diocese of Washington and beyond. Second, in accordance with the canons of this diocese, the bishop suffragan becomes the ecclesiastical authority of the diocese on the retirement of the diocesan, and accordingly, the standing committee affirmed her authority as Bishop of Washington pro tempore. With this authority Bishop Dixon can decline to approve a parish's call to a priest, which she has rightfully done.

Third, she did have grounds for her decision based on (a) Fr. Edwards' teachings concerning the Episcopal Church, the "hell-bound" "unchurch" (his words), and his encouraging the "gumming up the works" of the Episcopal Church, and his encouragement of parishes to "sever their connection with" the Episcopal Church; (b) his willingness to break his ordination vows and disobey his bishop, and not to respect and be guided by the pastoral direction and leadership of his bishop; and (c) his lack of commitment to keeping Christ Church within the Episcopal Church. Fourth, Fr. Edwards himself postponed appointments and so prevented Bishop Dixon from meeting with him in a more timely manner.

The bishop is within her rights, and, clearly, right is on her side.

(The Rev.) D. Thomas Andrews

President, Standing Committee

Diocese of Washington

Washington, D.C.