The Rt. Rev. Charles E. Bennison, Jr., became the 15th Bishop of Pennsylvania May 16 in a service of installation at the Cathedral Church of the Saviour in Philadelphia. The service also marked the end of the 11-year episcopate of the Rt. Rev. Allen L. Bartlett, Jr., who retired.

The service had an unusual aspect with baptisms being included in the installation rites. Bishop Bennison wanted the baptisms to be the focal part of the liturgy and said he wanted the service to be not only a sign of his new status, but "the initiation of a new season of discipleship and initiative in missionary expansion in the life of our diocese."

Bishop Bennison delivered his sermon from the cathedra to emphasize his role as chief preacher and teacher in the diocese.

"I want to be a bishop who takes Christ-like initiative," Bishop Bennison said. "I want to be a missionary bishop in a missionary diocese." He mentioned recent indications that diocesan congregations are reversing a 10-year decline in Sunday attendance, and he challenged the diocese to increase weekly attendance at worship 8 percent per year beginning in 2000. He added that in order to achieve that goal the diocese will need 24 new churches or redeveloped congregations by 2015.

The Rt. Rev. Robert W. Rowley, Bishop of Northwestern Pennsylvania and the president of Province 3, presided at the investiture.