The Diocese of Western Louisiana held its convention in Lafayette, Feb. 21-22, with the convention Eucharist at Church of the Ascension. The Rt. Rev. Zebedee Masereka, Bishop of South Ruwenzori, Uganda, was the preacher at that service.

The Rt. Rev. Robert J. Hargrove, Jr., Bishop of Western Louisiana, spoke of Bishop Masereka's sermon in his convention address.

"His world, his church, his vision, his faithfulness, can only inspire us to overcome the dissensions and frustrations that concern us," Bishop Hargrove said. "We with all our sisters and brothers across the Anglican Communion have been called to do the most important work in the world, if we will resolve to do it."

He called 1997 "a watershed year" for the Episcopal Church, and told delegates that "several critical matters ... will impact your life and mine as Episcopalians."

Among resolutions addressed was one which affirmed holy scripture as "central to our faith." After considerable debate, the resolution was tabled. During debate, Bishop Masereka asked to address convention and said, "In my country, we don't have to debate whether scripture is the word of God."

A motion to uphold the teaching of the prayer book as accurately reflecting the teaching of scripture concerning marriage was adopted. Another which called for clergy to abstain from sexual relations outside of holy matrimony failed by four votes.

A budget of slightly more than $1 million was adopted.