The Rt. Rev. Frank H. Vest Jr., Bishop of Southern Virginia, called for the election of a bishop coadjutor when the Diocese of Southern Virginia convened for its winter session of the annual council Feb. 9-11 in Williamsburg.

Bishop Vest asked for the election "in view of the extent of diocesan work." The diocesan standing committee will work with Bishop Harold Hopkins of the Office of Pastoral Development in hopes that an election can be held at next year's council.

In Bishop Vest's pastoral letter to the council and to the congregations of the diocese, he stressed the importance of identifying and claiming our vision for the life and the ministry of the church, especially in terms of the promises made in the baptismal covenant.

The Rt. Rev. O'Kelley Whitaker, assistant bishop, was the preacher for the Eucharist on Sunday.

A budget of $1.51 million was adopted.