The convention began with a Texas-style barbecue Nov. 4 and ended with a standing ovation Nov. 5. In between, the Diocese of Fort Worth showcased a new diocesan center headquarters and a confident missionary vision for growth.

"It has been a good year for our diocese in so many, many ways," the Rt. Rev. Jack Iker, Bishop of Fort Worth, noted in his address to the more than 300 delegates and visitors assembled. "We are up in every category."

Baptized membership increased this year to more than 20,000 - up 1,300 since 1996. Bishop Iker noted that 10 congregations are in the midst of building programs to accommodate the diocese's consistent growth.

The diocese also completed its first-ever capital campaign, raising more than $3.9 million to help build the new William A. and Elizabeth B. Moncrief Diocesan Center for Ministry, improve its existing camp facility, and to fund the planting of new congregations in the rapidly growing Dallas/Fort Worth area.

Reflecting that growth, Bishop Iker received Iglesia San Miguel - the diocese's second Hispanic congregation - as a mission church at the convention.

The convention featured a dramatic presentation by the diocese's world mission committee illustrating Fort Worth's efforts to aid its two companion dioceses of Northern Malawi and Northern Mexico.

As a description of the diocese's efforts to build an orphanage for the street children of Cuauhtemoc, Mexico, was read, students from St. Vincent's School in Bedford, Texas, processed into the convention hall holding aloft placards with photos of each orphan assisted by the sacrificial giving and missionary work of Fort Worth Episcopalians.

The sole resolution before the convention promised Fort Worth's continued support of future joint partnerships with Northern Malawi and was passed unanimously.

Bishop Iker announced that in the coming year the diocese will focus on expanding its ministry to young people, beginning with a continuing education conference on the topic for all parochial clergy.

The diocese adopted a budget of $1.76 million for 2001.

(The Rev.) Scott P. Albergate