Global evangelism and mission were the focus of the convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida, Oct. 10-11, at the Charlotte County Memorial Auditorium in Punta Gorda.

In his first address as diocesan, Bishop John B. Lipscomb called for delegates to adopt the great commission, Matt. 28:19-20, as the mission statement of the diocese, effective immediately. In approving the resolution, delegates further approved specific principles and priorities to support the work of the great commission. The priorities adopted are to develop the ministry of all baptized, to enhance the life of the local congregations, to continue the extension of the church by establishing new congregations, and to raise our vision of mission to global mission.

The tithe was adopted as the minimum standard for giving.

Keynote speaker at the convention was the Rev. Hugh Magers, evangelism coordinator for the Episcopal Church.

Examples of sharing our faith were offered in workshops, including welcoming practices and behaviors from "new start" missions of the diocese; a description of the Alpha program, a deliberately non-denominational introduction to Christianity; mission work of the Global Episcopal Mission Network (GEM); and diocesan-based medical missions to the Dominican Republic and Uganda.

The Rt. Rev. William Skilton, Suffragan Bishop of South Carolina and consultant to the national church's Standing Commission on World Mission, preached at the opening Eucharist.

A 1998 budget of $2.37 million was adopted.