Growth and change were major themes of the Nov. 5-6 convention of the Diocese of Pennsylvania, as clergy and lay deputies gathered at the Cathedral Church of the Saviour in West Philadelphia were challenged to pursue a "holy experiment" and, in the words of the Rt. Rev. Franklin Turner, Bishop Suffragan, "get going, get growing, get glowing, for Christ's sake!"

In his pastoral address, the Rt. Rev. Charles Bennison, Jr., Bishop of Pennsylvania, outlined a vision for the new millennium. Bishop Bennison reiterated his support for "Our Holy Experiment," a strategic plan which calls on the diocese to grow by 8 percent by 2007. Convention adopted a resolution calling for a phased implementation of the plan beginning in January.

The plan calls for education and training to help congregations fulfill their own plans and to improve financial stewardship in the diocese. If a feasibility study shows it would be successful, a capital campaign would take place in 2003. Proceeds would be used to start new congregations and redevelop existing ones; plans to redevelop the cathedral complex and/or acquire a diocesan camp and conference center would be pursued if funds were available and studies show there is diocesan support for these initiatives.

Other convention actions included approval of a budget for 2000 slightly under $4 million. The Rt. Rev. Armando Guerra and a delegation from Pennsylvania's companion diocese of Guatemala were welcomed.

The convention Eucharist featured the institution of the Very Rev. Richard Giles, a former vicar in the Diocese of Wakefield, England, as dean of the cathedral. Retired Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt. Rev. Robert Runcie, a long-time friend of Dean Giles, preached.

In a historical footnote to convention's approval of a courtesy resolution on ordination anniversaries, the Rev. Canon Nancy H. Wittig, one of the first women ordained to the priesthood, received applause when the chair noted that that was the first time a woman's name had ever appeared on such a resolution.