ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Monday, January 29, 1996               TAG: 9601290053
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C-3  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
SOURCE: CODY LOWE STAFF WRITER 

DIOCESE WRAPS UP 77TH COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS PASSED; BISHOP HONORED

Southwestern Virginia Episcopalians on Sunday wrapped up their 77th Annual Council, much of which was devoted to honoring retiring Bishop A. Heath Light.

Delegates passed a $796,000 budget, which included more than $27,000 to help offset the expenses associated with selecting and hiring a new bishop.

The Rev. Rob Goldsmith, chairman of the diocesan Standing Committee, told the council the estimated cost of screening, nominating, electing and installing a new bishop will "probably be closer to $75,000'' than the original estimates of $50,000 to $60,000.

The delegates also passed a dozen resolutions Sunday morning on topics ranging from supporting the people of Tibet to a statement affirming "the right of parishes, clergy and bishops to carry out ministry to all people, regardless of sexual orientation, without harassment or intimidation, acknowledging that this ministry might involve public advocacy of their rights."

Though the sponsor of the latter resolution said Saturday that it was not aimed at any particular congregation or person, one parish's criticism of the bishop's involvement in a gay rights advocacy group has received a lot of attention in recent months.

One delegate questioned whether the resolution might, in effect, endorse ministry that included the blessing of "same-sex marriages." Others disputed that possibility, and the resolution passed overwhelmingly.

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