In his opening address to the Diocese of Fort Worth's convention, in Wichita Falls Nov. 13-14, the Rt. Rev. Jack L. Iker, Bishop of Fort Worth, emphasized the importance of placing the past behind and setting all eyes on the future. His threefold charge to the clergy and delegates was to be "more unified and loving," to become "more mission minded" and to "make the Great Commission our first priority."

Bishop Iker highlighted a number of mission trips conducted by parishes or groups in the diocese. He noted in particular the mission to Northern Malawi in order to introduce the Happening program to that central-African diocese and the effort to provide medical supplies.

The convention approved a capital campaign to raise funds for the planting of at least two new churches in addition to major improvements at the diocesan camp facilities and a new diocesan center for ministry.

A radically different method for assessing parishes and missions was approved, as was the budget of $1.4 million, which actually reflected a reduction of over $70,000 in order to leave more money in the churches for local mission. The intention is to continue to reduce assessments over the next several years until each congregation is assessed a tithe (10 percent) for diocesan purposes. The average clergy salaries in the diocese have risen from the bottom third of Episcopal dioceses to the top third in the last four years.

Bishop Iker announced plans to take a sabbatical in the summer of 1999, in order to immerse himself in an intensive Spanish language course, and to take some time for study at St. George's College in Jerusalem.

In reporting on the recent Lambeth Conference, the bishop was delighted to say that the Diocese of Fort Worth is in the mainstream of the Anglican Communion. In fact, he noted with a smile, "For the first time in my six years as a bishop, I voted with the majority on every resolution!"

(The Rev.) Michael Fry