Clergy and lay delegates to theDiocese of Southeast Florida gave unanimous approval Oct. 13 to the Rt. Rev. Leo Frade's request for creation of an assistant bishop for a period of up to two years. Shortly after this vote, the standing committee met to approve Bishop Frade's appointment of the Rt. Rev. James Ottley, former Bishop of Panama, and former Anglican observer at the United Nations, to the position.

Bishop Ottley, who most recently served as interim Bishop of Honduras, began his ministry in Southeast Florida the week of Oct. 22. He will assist Bishop Frade and Bishop Suffragan John Said with the episcopal visitation schedule, but will also have particular responsibility for support and strengthening of minority ministries.

Convention also approved a budget of $2.8 million, an increase of slightly more than 5 percent over last year.

Four additional resolutions were passed: A call for greater youth participation at convention, including language specifically asking "that each congregation of this diocese be encouraged to have among its delegates a communicant 30 years old or younger," and "that each congregation ... be encouraged to select a 'youth observer;'" approval of a memorial to the Rev. Austin R. Cooper, Sr. "who began and ended his life and ministry in this diocese," to be included in the journal of the convention; the clergy compensation guidelines for 2002, which include a 2 percent cost of living increase; and a resolution proposed by the deans of the deaneries that the Financial Think Tank be instructed to "study the impact of debt on our parishes and report back to the 33rd annual convention with any recommendations they may deem appropriate."

In his address, Bishop Frade spoke of progress toward the vision of being a "missionary diocese." Telling delegates and guests that attendance figures from last year show an increase of 1,357 new Episcopalians in the diocese, he reminded his listeners that it's not the job of clergy alone to grow the church. "Remember that shepherds don't make new sheep," he said. "Sheep are the ones that make new sheep."

He also announced the formation of a World Mission Commission, to expand the work of the former Companion Diocese relationship to include relationships with dioceses and congregations throughout the Anglican Communion.

Mary Cox