Ten years ago the Diocese of the Rio Grande set a goal of reducing its diocesan apportionment from 24 percent to 10 percent of net disposable budgeted income, and the doubters were many. The ranks of unbelievers have grown fewer virtually every year. Meeting in Taos, N.M., Oct. 19-21, clergy and lay delegates approved another reduction from 14 to 13 percent for the 2002 fiscal year.

Stewardship has risen in congregations over that period to make up for the percentage decrease, said the Rt. Rev. Terence Kelshaw, Bishop of the Rio Grande, in his convention address. Bishop Kelshaw said the initial phase of a capital campaign has generated about $4 million toward an eventual goal of $15 million.

"Last year we tried to spell out the need for new income so that we might not only fund what we had, but that we might also lay foundations for new ministry and overseas mission," Bishop Kelshaw said. "It is not a popular call. Had we been planning new buildings or extending diocesan bureaucracy, it might be easier, but we are asking for new wells to provide new life in terms of mission and ministry and that is not a popular way to raise money."

During the second phase, the diocese hopes to raise an additional $5 million.

The convention also approved a balanced budget of $1.3 million.