URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (DPS, Aug. 19) -- The Episcopal Youth Event held at the University of Illinois here Aug. 2-6 was: a celebration of the church in its diversity; a demonstration on behalf of youth as responsible, vocal members of the church of today, not tomorrow; a learning experience highlighted by 72 different workshops; a discussion of "how our ministries can make a difference in the church and in the world."

This first national youth event in over 20 years was attended by 750 high school people and advisors from 70 U.S. dioceses, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Taiwan and the Virgin Islands. A resolution asking that an international youth event be held triennially, in conjunction with but separate from General Convention, was adopted by cheering acclamation on the final morning.

"Youth: Unutilized Energy -- Let's Hook up the Power!" was the theme of the event, planned and conducted by a Design Team of nine provincial youth coordinators and nine youth representatives, one from each province.

Bobby Bevill, National Coordinator for Youth Ministries, said a major goal was "to have high school age kids in positions of real leadership at an event for high school age kids. The Design Team did a fantastic job."

Another goal, she said, was "to give maximum opportunity for participants to mix and meet with people of all kinds, to confront them with the differences within the church. That's a sound theological approach, I feel."

The importance of each person's ministry was dramatized by an introduction of "Alan Alda and Mary Tyler Moore," who turned out to be the Rev. Gene Robinson (New Hampshire) and Maria Ramirez (Northwest Texas) of the Design Team. Tearing up their signs bearing the names of those celebrities, they said, "the people who will really make a difference in the church are not those with famous names but you and me. The power to be hooked up is God's power working in and through the people in this room."

Skits performed by young people from the Diocese of Massachusetts then illustrated various forms of the "BPIC problem": Big People in the Church -- clergy, vestry persons, parents -- who make decisions for young people and do not even listen to them.

"When adults said youth are irresponsible and can't be trusted, we must prove them wrong," said Ramirez. "Let's show we have unutilized power, that we're the church of today and should be seen and heard. How can God's ministry through us make a difference in the world? By being a friend and by getting involved in your church, your school, your community, your government."

Robinson urged the adults present to be an advocate for young people and to "adopt a personal style that treats youth as people -- not more, not less. We are called to empower by sharing power, by sharing ourselves -- and then letting go. And living with the mess that results." He asked adults: "do you receive from young people as well as give?"

Brief morning presentations were also given by Lydia Lopez president of the United Neighborhood Organization of East Los Angeles and vice-president of the Episcopal Urban Caucus, and by the Rev. Charles Cesaretti, Public Issues Officer for the Episcopal Church.

Lopez spoke of her encounters with racism and ethnic stereotypes in Los Angeles. She told the youth, "calling you 'the church of tomorrow, the leaders of tomorrow' is an approach used to control you, keep you in your place, make you wait."

Cesaretti contrasted the ladder of success symbolism with "the circle of support (out of which comes) the power to be active instruments of God's will. We need to look at the great gifts we've received, so we don't appear spiritually disabled,' he said.

In a sermon at the opening Eucharist, the Right Rev. John M. Allin, Presiding Bishop, described the Christian way in terms of appreciation, affirmation and adoration of God. "We live in a world stricken with poverty and disappointment," he said, "and are called to appreciate and affirm people's value and dignity."

Participants had five opportunities to attend workshops. Attracting large numbers were those on Cults, Careers, Dreams, Friendships and Personality, Leadership and Narnia. One theme in sessions on Careers, Cults and Narnia was the threat of those whose approach is: I will do your thinking for you. Other workshops offered ways for young people to understand themselves better and "hook up" with their own and God's power.

Evening programs featured a 1950's type dance, a bluegrass concert, a sing-along, and performances and media presentations prepared by participants. Music pervaded every gathering and was usually led by Jim and Jean Strathdee, whose ecumenical music ministry comes out of Ridgecrest, Calif.

A variety of liturgical rites and styles were available in six simultaneous daily Eucharists, a range advertised as "Smells, Bells and Lights That Twinkle, to Spanish, to Free Form Rite Three."

A daily newspaper, "The Hook-Up," was edited by youth representatives Maria Ramiriz (Province VII) and Paul White (Province V). Its final edition included these comments on the week by participants: "a spiritually growing experience: absolutely AWESOME!" "I got to meet people from all over the country and gained a new perspective of Episcopal youth." "I liked it a lot, the workshops, especially. They really taught you how to cope with different things as far as life goes." "One thing that really struck me was that some adults are able to give genuine trust to youth." "First I was very skeptical -- then all of a sudden everything began to fit together. It ended being a great help."