[Canticle Communications] The Episcopal Diocese of Olympia and two Anglican churches that left the Episcopal Church in 2004 have reached an amicable settlement that returns all property to the diocese while making it possible for all parties to continue with their ministries.

St. Charles Church, Poulsbo and Grace by the Sea, Oak Harbor disassociated from the Episcopal Church in 2004 and placed themselves under the authority of an Anglican bishop in Brazil.

The path toward a settlement that required no court action began in December 2006 when the diocese and the two churches signed a covenant agreement that provided for 7½ years in which no action was taken regarding property. The agreement also provided time for the worldwide Anglican Communion to address serious issues over which its members are not in agreement.

During the period of the covenant agreement, St. Charles Church, Poulsbo remained in the building that is now returning to the Diocese of Olympia. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Oak Harbor and Grace by the Sea Church shared the Oak Harbor property, which will continue to be the home of St. Stephen’s.

St. Charles Poulsbo is now worshipping at 19351 8^th Ave. NE, Suite 205, in Poulsbo, WA. Thanks to the gracious assistance of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle, Grace by the Sea will be worshipping at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Coupeville, WA, and at St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic Church in Oak Harbor, WA. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church remains at 555 SE Regatta Drive, Oak Harbor, WA.

The end date of the covenant agreement, which has now been honored by all parties, is June 30, 2014.