Charging the diocese to move from the status quo, the Rt. Rev. Charles E. Jenkins III called for a radical reorientation to mission and church growth during the Diocese of Louisiana's convention, Feb. 26-27 in Thibodaux. Citing declines in the number of baptized Episcopalians, confirmed communicants and Sunday service attendees, Bishop Jenkins told the 112 lay delegates and 53 clergy that a change in attitude is imperative if the church in southeast Louisiana is to thrive in the new millennium.

To reverse the trends, Bishop Jenkins set out three "big hairy audacious goals" for the next 11 years: 38,000 baptized members, almost doubling current numbers; an unrestricted endowment of $500,000 to help the diocese directly support congregations; and at least three new congregations. There are now 52.

Several delegates praised the bishop for showing the shrinkage in the church and setting out ambitious goals for growth. Calling the address "riveting," Melissa Hodgson of St. George's Church, New Orleans, said, "He challenged a group of people who are not accustomed to being challenged. We need a bishop to light a little fire" for us.

The commitment to mission was a theme not only for Bishop Jenkins, but for two guest speakers during the convention: Roman Catholic Bishop Michael Jarrell of Houma-Thibodaux and the Rev. Thaddeus Birchard, a Louisiana native now serving as rector of St. John's, Hyde Park, London. Bishop Jarrell said Christians must spread enthusiasm for Jesus Christ and invite others to hear his message. Fr. Birchard said, "I actually believe that it is right that we seek numerical growth. I do not believe that God is pleased by empty churches."

In a surprising election that reflects a shift toward greater diversity in diocesan leadership, the convention chose its first African American deputies to serve at General Convention, its first woman clerical deputy, a "Gen X" clerical deputy and a Hispanic American as first lay alternate.

The convention approved the first diocesan budget in excess of $1 million since 1979, when the diocese comprised the entire state. Funding the total budget of $1,015,062 required a sizable withdrawal of $44,805 from the budget reserve.