United States of America
The Regionary Bishop of the Province, the Right Reverend Lawrence Smith, reached the age of 75. The General Episcopal Synod elected Bishop Hein van Beusekom as the new Regionary Bishop of the Province of the United States of America. The ballot among the Clergy of the Province was most supportive of the appointment. The enthronement of Bishop van Beusekom was a solemn occasion, conducted by Bishop Smith, Regionary Emeritus, during the Whitsun celebrations in Ojai, California. Hearty words of appreciation were spoken for the good work done by the Regionary Bishop Emeritus in keeping the Province healthy and forward moving.

Bishop Joseph Tisch tendered his resignation on grounds of ill health. As many will remember, Bishop Tisch suffered a bad fall on a slippery floor many years ago, which resulted in multiple fractures. At one stage, he could celebrate only from a wheelchair. After many operations, and putting in as many steel pins, he could again walk reasonably well. Kneeling was, however, still difficult. He was therefore permitted to celebrate without kneeling or genuflecting. For many years, he faithfully served the Church in the Province of the USA, and in particular in the state of Florida, in spite of the many handicaps he had to endure. May good health accompany him and give him peace and well-being in his retirement.

Finland
Bishop Aumo Artamaa, having reached the age of 84, requested to be placed on the Inactive List. This request was received from Bishop Bärlund, Regionary Bishop for Finland. Bishop Artamaa served the Finnish Province as a Bishop for 22 years, nine of which as Regionary Bishop. His term of office as Regionary Bishop was preceded by four years as Diocesan Bishop, when Finland was still part of the Province of Denmark, Norway and Finland. May he be remembered for good work done.

Great Britain and Ireland
Bishop Palmer, Auxiliary Bishop of the Province, resigned from The Liberal Catholic Church. Bishop Ian Hooker, Episcopal Vicar General, spent a month in the Province as Episcopal caretaker. After having re-established order in the Province and obtained the support of the Clergy, he appointed Reverend Graham Wale as Vicar General for the Province. The Presiding Bishop was grateful that in spite his responsibilities as Vicar General, the Very Reverend Graham Wale agreed to continue as Secretary of the General Episcopal Synod, which is due to meet in England during July 2000.

Change of Address
The use of the Post Office Box in Waterkloof, South Africa, until recently employed as the postal address of the Presiding Bishop, is to be discontinued. Please take note of the new address in Lynnwood Ridge.