The Rt. Rev. Stacy F. Sauls, Bishop of Lexington, sought to get matters back on track with an address to the diocesan convention that brought clergy and lay deputies to their feet in applause. Convention was held Feb. 17-18 at Christ Church Cathedral in Lexington.

“I am tired of apologizing for the General Convention of 2003. You will not hear me do it again,” Bishop Sauls said. “I will acknowledge that it is possible that we did the wrong thing. What I know for a fact is that, to the extent anyone made a mistake, no one did so with any intent other than being a faithful follower of Christ, and I do not believe that even God asks more than that.”

Acknowledging that controversy over homosexuality had occupied a considerable part of his time recently, Bishops Sauls told convention that he was not forcing anyone to agree with his position, but rather asking everyone to make room for those who disagree.

“I am making a simple proposal,” Bishop Sauls said. “Dearest people of God, we have work to do. Let us get on with it. Keep talking to each other. Keep arguing with each other. That is what Anglicans do. But stop trying to hurt each other. That is not what Christians do.”

Bishop Sauls proposed a new mission strategy based on the parable that Jesus told regarding the dinner guests who spurned their invitation. He informed the convention that the former home of the Church of the Apostles has been used continually for an Episcopal Church Eucharist and then introduced a new congregation, All Saints’ Church of Lexington. Currently meeting at the location of the former parish, All Saints’ is a congregation of young adults with elected leadership ranging in age from early 20s to early 30s.