Delegates of the Diocese of California's Oct. 16 convention approved new clergy salary standards and adopted a $3.1 million operating budget for 2000, an increase of less than 5 percent over 1999. With virtually no debate, delegates approved the assessment formula: 5 percent of the first $45,000 of operating income (as defined in the parochial report) and 20 percent of income above $45,000.

Resolutions passed for action by the next General Convention included a request that all congregations encourage the Boy Scouts of America to accept youth and leaders, "irrespective of their sexual orientation."

In his address to convention, the Rt. Rev. William Swing, Bishop of California, described as "Glorious!" the opening celebration on July 17 of the Diocese's 150th anniversary [TLC, Aug. 8]. Looking at the remainder of the year-long celebration, the bishop reminded convention that the diocese would gather on Sept. 30, 2000, at Golden Gate Park. "Be there," he urged, "and carry just one thing: the vision that you believe God has planted in your heart. What is it that you are all called to be or do?"

Responding to the bishop's call for a second day of theological inquiry, convention delegates approved a resolution directing diocesan council to establish the task forces, which would explore the rise of technology and its impact on the Christian community's theology and evangelism; our experience of a pluralistic society; and our relationship with other faiths in our community.