The Diocese of Olympia Announces Next Canon to the Ordinary

Office of the Bishop

October 2, 2024

Dear Friends,

I am writing to announce that the Rev. Cristi Chapman has accepted my invitation to serve as Canon to the Ordinary. When I first met Cristi through her work as the chair of the Budget and Finance Committee, I saw her giftedness, her extensive knowledge of the workings of our Diocese, her deep compassion and pastoral presence, and her love for the mission of Jesus. In subsequent conversations, I recognized what a great partner she would be to me, and that she would also have much to offer our Diocese by joining my staff.

Cristi will begin in her new role on December 1, overlapping for a short time with our current Canon to the Ordinary, the Rev. Canon Arienne Davison. Arienne is working together with both me and Cristi to ensure a smooth transition, and she is excited about a return to parish ministry in the days ahead. More information about Arienne’s departure will be forthcoming, and we will take time to celebrate her faithful ministry among us at Diocesan Convention. Additionally, Cristi will conclude her ministry at Saint David’s, Friday Harbor in early November.

In this new position, Cristi will serve as my chief advisor; lead parish and clergy transitions for our Diocese; be a resource for our clergy, congregations, and governing bodies; and will be my Chief of Staff. I am thrilled to have Cristi as a partner in ministry, and look forward to the work we will share in together for the Episcopal Church in Western Washington as we seek to follow the way of Jesus.

Please join me in welcoming Cristi to this new call, and I invite your prayers for the people of Saint David’s during this tender time.

Blessings,

+Phil

Friends in Christ,

What a great delight it is to accept the call to serve as the Canon to the Ordinary! It is humbling to be asked by Bishop Phil to serve in this way, and I am eager and excited to partner with him and all of you as we all more fully inhabit the Body of Christ that is the Diocese of Olympia.

The vision of the Diocese says that as the Episcopal branch of the Jesus movement, each of us bears witness to God’s reign of redemption by being agents of God’s inclusive love that is unique to this part of the world. This is also God’s call to us at this moment. It is how we make visible the Body of Christ in Western Washington. That vision is being realized in many ways, including through crucial and important antiracism work and by supporting ongoing repair and reconciliation efforts with communities who have historically been marginalized; through congregational development and redevelopment efforts with faith communities of all sizes; with new and creative responses to climate justice and creation care; by discerning different and more robust faith formation for all ages; and by taking seriously and supporting clergy wellness and wellbeing. I look forward to working with you and Bishop Phil as we collectively respond to God’s call to us in this moment and in the months and years to come.

With anticipation and in faith,

Cristi+