Temporary Property Agreement Reached in Olympia
12/14/2006

The Bishop and standing committee in the Diocese of Olympia have reached an agreement which respects the independence of two congregations that voted to leave in 2004 and allows them to remain in their buildings for the next 7 ½ years without paying rent or assessments.

“We have all tried to take a gospel approach,” said Canon Betsy Greenman, Canon to the Ordinary. “Everyone involved tried to approach this from a perspective of remaining in relationship. It was a faith journey for everyone involved.”

A preamble states that the agreement has been undertaken in a “spirit of reconciliation and to provide a time for the worldwide Anglican Communion to address serious issues over which its members are not in agreement. It is the intention of all parties to remain members of the Anglican Communion.”

Under terms of the covenant, St. Stephen’s Anglican Church in Oak Harbor, Wash., and St. Charles’ Anglican Church in Poulsbo will maintain their current worship schedules. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church will have use of the property occupied by St. Stephen’s Anglican for Sunday worship at a mutually agreed upon time. The covenant also provides for a means of resolving potential disputes.

The Living Church: the rest