Our Vicar

Reverend Father Jean Dumond Chavanne

I am Jean Dumond Chavanne. Born into a Catholic family, I became a committed Episcopalian when I was 12 years old. Personally, I grew up in three streams of Christianity: Catholicism, Protestantism, and Anglicanism. My journey, particularly plural, has made me a conciliatory, tolerant, very open and always empathetic man. I grew up between two continents, America and Europe. My academic training is rich of three disciplines: theology, educational sciences and philosophy. My teachers, professors and mentors are both Episcopalian priests, Roman Catholic priests, Protestant pastors, philosophers, agnostics and atheists. This plurality is a major asset in perfect harmony with the spirit of our Church.

I hope firmly, and in all modesty, to sow around me the word of God, through this Mission. As the First Epistle to the Corinthians reminds us, it is God the Lord of the harvest who can then cause it to flourish there: “I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth.” (1 Co 3 : 6)

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, I was ordained a deacon on March 3, 2019 by Bishop Pierre Whalon at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Paris, then ordained a priest on June 27, 2020, this time by Bishop Mark Edington, in charge of Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe.

After a year of struggle, of patient structuring to make possible the institutional and legal existence of this Francophone Mission, I am very honored and happy to have been appointed Vicar on January 15, 2020. I once again thank our Bishop Mark for his trust.

What is the main objective of the MEFR?

I prefer to say « objectives » in the plural!

• The first is to develop, grow and strengthen in faith.
• The second is to create a link, a bridge between the English-speaking and French-speaking communities of the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, but also of the entire Convocation.
• The third is to widen this bond and build a strong network of friendship with Episcopalians, Anglicans and other friends around the world.

With God’s help and thanks to the magic of new technologies, everything is possible for us. Proof of this is that from time to time we virtually or physically welcome preachers from the USA, Canada, Haiti, Geneva, Hungary, Strasbourg (France)… Our friends joining us online, attending our livestreamed services, are everywhere in the world. We thank them for their trust, their presence and we repeat, again and again, that they are welcome in the French-speaking Episcopal Mission of the Resurrection (MEFR).

Who can be a member of the MEFR?

Everyone without any distinction!

Gender equality is one of our core values. Within the Episcopal Church, one can be deacon, priest, bishop or primate without any gender distinction.

With us there is no place for rejection and contempt. We advocate and implement a community based on mutual respect, regardless of our ethnic origin, our socio-economic class, our church denomination, our sexual orientation, our gender, our physical abilities. We are all children of God, living in a brotherly spirit.

If you are baptized, whatever Christian denomination you come from, we do not practice rebaptism. We consider this sacrament to be unique and lasting.

If you are not baptized, you are also welcome. The whole community will be happy to welcome you and accompany you on your spiritual journey.

You are welcome to meditate, pray, listen to the word of God, take communion. But also exchange in a friendly atmosphere with us after each celebration.

So what are you waiting for? Come, come join us!

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