
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, January 31, 1994                   TAG: 9401310062
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: CODY LOWE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium

EPISCOPALIANS PART IN UPBEAT MOOD

Southwest Virginia Episcopalians wrapped up their business Sunday morning, leaving their 75th Annual Council in a somewhat more upbeat mood than they entered it Friday.

Despite serious problems that remain in funding shortfalls, delegates to the meeting of the Diocese of Southwest Virginia were able to come up with money for some popular new programs. They left encouraged to seek new opportunities to make the church vital in the future.

Delegates - who came from as far away as Lexington, Lynchburg and Bristol - also heard plans for the formal celebration of the diocese's 75th anniversary. A Eucharistic service will be held at 2 p.m. Oct. 22 in St. Andrews Catholic Church in Roanoke.

This year's council - unlike those of some recent years - was notable for its relative lack of controversy over budget items or resolutions.

There was extended debate Saturday over a resolution that would have condemned the General Theological Seminary in New York for allowing same-sex couples to share living quarters. The resolutions committee recommended that be voted down - which it was - saying it was a divisive issue, in another diocese, about which delegates were not fully informed.

Though funds were found to pay for a part-time youth coordinator, a half-time position will be lost in the diocesan offices because of a lack of funds. Alan Boyce, administrative assistant to Bishop Heath Light, called on parishes to supply volunteers to help answer phones, address letters and perform other office duties.

In the customary response to the bishop's annual address - which was delivered Friday - a panel Sunday morning encouraged Light to "forget temporal concerns" such as the budget and concentrate on leading the diocese "in matters spiritual."

Acknowledging that there is some "healthy controversy" in the diocese, the panel asked Light to boldly voice spiritual leadership wherever controversy arose. That includes proposals for improvements to diocesan headquarters, which will be studied this year.

Light should share his vision for the diocese and let laity worry about finances, he was told.

by CNB