While some said the "honeymoon" was over for the Rt. Rev. Neff Powell, Bishop of Southwestern Virginia, most agreed that the diocese's 80th annual council Feb. 5-7 in Roanoke was productive and congenial. While it was Bishop Powell's third council, it was the first of his episcopacy to be marked by controversy.

For the first time in two years, budget amendments, which affected approximately $6,500 in the diocesan contingency fund, were proposed from the floor. The remainder of the $922,796 budget passed without controversy. Delegates passed 13 resolutions dealing with wide-ranging issues, from the "Children's Charter for the Church," to adding Archdeacon Archibald Shaw to the calendar of Lesser Feasts and Fasts. Delegates passed a resolution condemning violent and hateful behavior toward homosexuals and a resolution condemning the relatively new form of strip mining, but also called for more study of the issue.

More than 100 guests joined the delegates to hear Prof. Peter Gomes of Harvard University deliver the keynote address. He encouraged the audience to undertake a regular discipline of study, silence and service during Lent.

Delegates worshiped and worked together. The opening council worship service featured an all-diocese choir. And about a dozen delegates worked on special projects for Habitat for Humanity.

In other business, council recommended that the bishop proceed with a program for ordaining vocational deacons. Preparation for ordination will include several years of study under the supervision of a diocesan dean of deacons.

The youth of the diocese gathered for Youth at Council. Their event "sold out"; it attracted youth for games, small group discussion and work projects. Council delegates warmly received members of the youth's leadership team for a rousing address on the vitality of youth ministry.