Griswold begins visit to Southwest Florida, Central Gulf Coast dioceses

From Staff Reports

With relief work continuing after recent hurricanes, residents of the Diocese of Southwest Florida and the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast will receive first-hand encouragement in their efforts from Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold, who today begins a visit to these regions.

"I am aware of the heroic efforts being made by the people of these dioceses, and I am eager to be with them," Griswold said today.

The Presiding Bishop will be the guest of Bishop John Lipscomb at the Convention of the Diocese of Southwest Florida on Oct. 8-9 for its 36th annual meeting. On Friday, Griswold will tour areas devastated by hurricanes Charley, Francis and Jeanne. That evening at St. Wilfred’s Episcopal Church in Sarasota, he will lead an open forum to discuss and answer questions about current issues facing the Episcopal Church.
Griswold will also preach at the convention’s opening Eucharist on Saturday at St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in Bradenton, Florida. Further information about the Diocese of Southwest Florida’s convention can be found at http://www.dioceseswfla.org/2004convention/2004conventionhome.htm.
 
Following his time with the Diocese of Southwest Florida, the Presiding Bishop will then visit the Diocese of Central Gulf Coast, where he will preach at St. Francis’ Church in Gulf Breeze, Florida on Sunday morning.

Led by Bishop Philip Duncan II, the Central Gulf Coast diocese and surrounding region has also been affected by the unusually severe hurricane season. With the help of Episcopal Relief and Development, the diocese has provided emergency assistance of shelter, food and medical supplies in the aftermath of Hurricane Ivan, which made landfall in the diocese.