"A sense of humor and joy has broken out in our diocese, and it is all to the good," said one veteran delegate after the Diocese of Indianapolis convention closed Oct. 24.

Several canons and the diocesan constitution were amended. A budget of $2.44 million was passed for 1999. It calls for a 7.5 percent increase in income and spending over 1998, including full funding for apportioned support of the national church and the establishment of a new college chaplaincy.

The Rt. Rev. Catherine Waynick, Bishop of Indianapolis, addressed the convention at the opening Evensong. She spoke of the progress the diocese has made and talked of expanding the role of stewardship and new initiatives, setting the vision for the future. Paula Franck, newly installed canon for Christian formation and education, delivered the sermon at the Eucharist, and spoke of meeting the challenge of the unexpected in life.

The guest speaker was the Very Rev. Fyncface N. Akah Jr., provost of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, companion diocese to Indianapolis. Fr. Akah reminded delegates that Nigeria, when the companion relationship began about 20 years ago, had 27 dioceses. It now has 62. He said, "... that something urgent needs to be done in the area of evangelism and church planting in (the Diocese of Indianapolis)." Reminding them of the growing church in Nigeria, and of the "rude shock" American and other bishops received at Lambeth when outvoted, Fr. Akah said, "I am sure the same thing will happen come next Lambeth unless something is done through organized missionary efforts to get all those of the other part of the Communion to share in your understanding of this issue."