The 169th Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri, Nov. 21-22, 2008, Christ Church Cathedral, St Louis, MO.

Full text online at diocesemo.org/newsevents/2008/1122083120.htm

The first sentences weren't recorded. The address opened with-

"Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

The questions I put before you today are these, and they are urgent:

In a time of economic crisis, what is God asking of us the Church in the Diocese of Missouri?

In a time when the Episcopal Church is in persistent decline, what is God asking of us the Church in the Diocese of Missouri?

The first of these questions requires little explanation for anyone paying attention to the news these days. The second, however, begs some background. So here are some numbers.