Introduction to the community
The community strives to promote interest, study and understanding of the vocation to the Religious life. We were officially recognised as a canonical Religious community at the Diocesan Convention 2010.
The Ecumenical Fellowship of Saint John was founded in Los Angeles in the spring of 1972 by five men – clergy and lay – from the Episcopal, Lutheran and Roman Catholic Communions of the Church. On Saint John’s Day 1973, four of the founding group (two Lutherans and two Roman Catholics) made Promises of Commitment at Saint John’s Episcopal Church in Los Angeles. After some years in Fallbrook, San Diego County, the Community moved to Whidbey Island in 1990. In 2000, we were blessed with the gift of 10 secluded and wooded acres, with an additional 10 added in 2013, donated by Judith P Yeakel of Langley. Here a monastic house was built, and blessed on Holy Cross Day 2003. The ‘Called to Common Mission’ declaration of ECUSA and ELCA made it easy for Lutherans and Episcopalians to become one.
With the death of the founding superior, Richard Tussey, on 8 April 2024, the remaining resident brother is discerning the future with the Oblates. As part of this exploration, the monastery has been sold and a hermitage is being developed.
Contact details
Email:
efsj@whidbey.com
Telephone:
360 320 1186
Address: PO Box 782, Freeland, WA 98249, USA
Community information
Date of foundation:
1973
Bishop Visitor: Rt Revd Brian Thom, Diocese of Idaho
Ministry:
Lifestyle:
Rule:
Location:
Third Order, Fellowship, Associates
We currently have three Associates.
Leadership
Superior: Brother David McClellan EFSJ (Assumed office April 2024)
