Dear Friends in Christ,
We are blessed to live in the Mid-Atlantic region that is rich in natural resources, diversity, and history. It is often when we step away and apart from our day to day routines and into the thin spaces around us, that we are able to grow in our own formation and transformation.
To this end, many of us have participated in programs, attended parish retreats, or spent a week at summer camp through the resources of the Claggett Center, located in Frederick County, Maryland. What started as a camp for youth in 1952 by the Diocese of Maryland, the Claggett Center has grown into a facility with resources that can serve diverse groups, needs, and ministries.
As we move forward in recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and in recognition of many existing partnerships, relationships, and benefits, it is our intent to continue the cooperative relationship between the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland (EDOM) and the Episcopal Diocese of Washington (EDOW) for camping and conference ministries located at the Claggett Center.
Below are the core beliefs that we share as neighboring dioceses:
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We agree that transformational and formational experiences are essential to the faith development of adults, young adults, and youth in both dioceses.
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We agree that the Claggett Center, while graphically located within the Diocese of Maryland, is an essential resource for Christian formation and transformation for both dioceses.
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We commit to support the Claggett Center in its mission through using its resources, programming, and ministries.
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We affirm that the Claggett Center is committed to serving both dioceses faithfully and fully.
Our vision is one and our commitment is steadfast in the power of camp and retreat ministries to be a beacon of growth, change, and hope in both dioceses. This is especially relevant now while so many recover from trauma experienced this past year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and as our communities search for ways to heal and support one another. Claggett has the power to be a place of recovery and renewal. We welcome all to be formed and transformed at, by, and through God’s grace at the Claggett Center.
Blessings and peace,
The Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton
Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Maryland
The Right Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde
Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Washington
*THE MISSION OF THE CLAGGETT CENTER
Since being founded in 1952, the Claggett Center has been a vital, life giving center for mission and ministry in the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland and beyond. Today, Claggett continues to be a place set apart to serve all people in spiritual renewal, growth, and learning through ministries of hospitality and programming.
EDOM & EDOW Partnership at the Claggett Center
Purpose
The purpose of this Agreement is to express a cooperative relationship between the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland (EDOM) and the Episcopal Diocese of Washington (EDOW) for camping and conference ministries on properties owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland in Frederick County.
Summary
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We agree that transformational and formational experiences are essential to the faith development of adults, young adults, and youth in both dioceses.
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We agree that the Claggett Center, while graphically located within the Diocese of Maryland, is an essential resource for Christian formation and transformation for both dioceses.
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We commit to support the Claggett Center in its mission through using its resources, programming, and ministries.
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We affirm that the Claggett Center is committed to serving both dioceses faithfully and fully.
Notes
- EDOM welcomes and approves of EDOW’s congregations and clergy receiving equal hospitality benefits from the Claggett Center.
- EDOW commits to sending its youth through it’s former “Camp EDOW” to camps at the Claggett Center.
- It is the intent of EDOM and EDOW to develop a unified and partnered youth camping program at the Claggett Center.
- The Claggett Center commits to partnering with EDOW on programmatic needs for youth, young adults, and adult ministries.
- EDOW welcomes and approves the Claggett Center in its effort to invite generosity through participation, service, and financial gifts throughout EDOW and its congregations.
- EDOW is not entering an exclusive use agreement and is free to use any facility it chooses for any and all of its meetings/retreats with the exception of the official EDOW youth summer camp partnership.
- The Claggett Center will remain owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland. EDOM will remain the sole operator of the Claggett Center.
- The Claggett Center will supply EDOM & EDOW appropriate materials relating to camp, retreat and conferencing. EDOM & EDOW will include these materials on their websites and other communications.
Encumbrances
Consistent with current policies and practices for EDOM:
- EDOW clergy will receive complimentary use of the Claggett Center for personal retreat;
- EDOW congregations/programs will receive the “Episcopal’ rate for services;
- EDOW will allow/welcome promotional visits and materials from the Claggett Center;
- EDOW will allow/welcome solicitation of financial support for the Claggett Center.
Additionally, the Claggett Board of Trustees will seek to include a member from EDOW on the board.
