Delegates to the convention of the Diocese of Louisiana heard the final state of the church address of their bishop, the Rt. Rev. James Brown, when convention met Feb. 13-14 at Trinity Church, New Orleans.

The convention also welcomed the Rt. Rev. Melchizedek Otim, Bishop of Lango, Uganda, Louisiana's partner in mission.

Two congregations were granted changes of status by the convention. St. Margaret's, Baton Rouge, was re-granted parish status after several years as a mission congregation, and Holy Comforter, New Orleans, was granted mission status.

In his address, Bishop Brown, soon to retire as diocesan, spoke of highlights of his episcopate, including the success of the national Venture in Mission program, the mission statement that guided the diocese for nearly 20 years, and the diocesan Solomon Conference Center.

The Rt. Rev. Charles Jenkins, Bishop Coadjutor of Louisiana, spoke during Evensong, emphasizing the cross.

A budget of more than $903,000 was adopted.