A membership growth of 9.5 percent during 1995 was reported by the Rt. Rev. Bertram N. Herlong Jan. 27 to the convention of the Diocese of Tennessee. Similar increases of 9 percent in pledged and operating revenues and numbers of pledges in congregations also were noted.

In his convention address, Bishop Herlong challenged the diocese with three major initiatives: 1. To establish another new congregation beginning in 1996; 2. To participate in an organ donor program; 3. To reclaim church ministry opportunities opened up by the new welfare reform program in the state of Tennessee. The bishop also called for energetic diocesan support of people who are least able to care for themselves, in the "Families First" program.

The bishop challenged the diocese "not to dwell on the pathology of our church, but on the potential for ministry and service that clearly lies before us. Our job is to work together."

The convention took note of the catechumenate program in the diocese and celebrated the establishment of the Center for Ministry in Small Churches [TLC, Feb. 11]. The center, co-sponsored by the dioceses of East Tennessee and West Tennessee, and the School of Theology of the University of the South, will train and equip parish priests especially for ministry in small congregations.

The Church of the Good Shepherd, Williamson County, was admitted to convention as a new mission.

The convention adopted a 1996 budget of nearly $1.05 million.

(The Rev. Canon) Robert Dedmon