ACCOKEEK - The Episcopal Diocese of Washington and a Prince George's County parish have ended an 18-month dispute over the appointment of a conservative rector.

Bishop John Chane and the vestry of Christ Church, Accokeek, have agreed to the appointment of the Rev. Stephen T. Arpee, who had been serving in an interim capacity. The vestry has agreed not to appeal a federal court decision forcing the Rev. Samuel L. Edwards from the parish, where he had remained last fall in defiance of Bishop Jane H. Dixon.