(ENS)John Maury Allin, the 23rd Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church from 1973-1985, died 6 March, 1998, after suffering a stroke while undergoing treatment for cancer. He was 76.

Bishop Allin served during a time of significant change in the church and society. During his term the Episcopal Church ordained women as priests and revised its Book of Common Prayer - both issues that divided the Church. At the same time, the church embarked on its most successful fund-raising effort as it continued to be embroiled in social issues in a rapidly changing culture.

Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold, who was meeting with the House of Bishops at the Kanuga Conference Center near Ashville, North Carolina, said that the bishops "remembered and gave thanks for his leadership of our church, and for his release into the larger life of eternal peace. We have offered prayers for his family and all who mourn, and ask the church to join us in these prayers.

"As one who has been ordained bishop by him, and is privileged to follow him in the office of presiding bishop, I hold in particular honor Bishop Allin's faithful and always gracious service to our church and our Lord.