The synod of the Diocese of Quincy met in Rock Island, Ill., Oct. 16-17. Delegates conducted business at the Plaza One Hotel and met for worship in nearby Trinity Church.

In a synod marked by little controversy or anxiety, delegates tightened up canonical residency requirements so that clergy who do not have a recognized parochial or pastoral ministry within the diocese or a recognized institutional ministry outside of the diocese must secure letters dimissory and transfer to the diocese where they are serving. Retired clergy are exempt from this change.

Presentations were made regarding the annual diocesan medical mission to the Dominican Republic, especially in light of the damage done by Hurricane Georges; a new mission church planning and review process; youth work; and revived participation in the Jubilee College State Historic Site.

In his synod address, the Rt. Rev. Keith Ackerman, Bishop of Quincy, reviewed lessons from the ministry of the fourth Bishop of Quincy, William L. Essex, and called for a year of prayer for the growth of the diocese in the year 2000 and in the new millennium. Capt. Steve Brightwell of the Church Army preached at the synod Eucharist and exhorted delegates in their evangelistic task, especially among the poor.

Delegates adopted a budget of $325,000, including a full apportionment of $26,500 for the Episcopal Church nationally.

(The Rev.) John Throop