Delegates to the convention of the Diocese of Iowa saw, heard, and participated in a variety of Christian witness. They examined the ancient meaning of jubilee, a year of the Lord's favor, as it relates to 21st century living.

Five litanies tied plenary sessions and convention addresses together. An accompanying scripture passage highlighted each jubilee theme: A Call for Jubilee, Respect for the Earth, Sharing the Wealth, Release of Captives, and Reconciliation and Respect. An exhibit of jubilee art was on display outside the meeting rooms and special music added to enjoyment of meals.

The Rev. Canon Carmen Guerrero, keynote speaker, traced the history of jubilee from the time of Leviticus through the creation of Jubilee Centers by General Convention in 1982. She directs the Office of Jubilee Ministries at the Episcopal Church Center in New York City.

Ms. Guerrero recognized Iowa's four Jubilee Ministry Centers: St. Paul's Indian Mission in Sioux City, Trinity Parish in Muscatine, The Agape Café at the Chaplaincy at the University of Iowa in Iowa City and Christ Church in Cedar Rapids.

In his convention address diocesan Bishop C. Christopher Epting found parallels in the goals of the Diocese of Iowa and those in a recently released bi-partisan report from Gov. Tom Vilsack's office. The state is concerned with young people leaving, welcoming immigrants, the impact of farm economics on agricultural communities, education and childcare, connecting Iowans electronically, clean air and clean water.

In other action delegates adopted a balanced budget of $1.1 million for mission and ministry in 2001. Legislative activity centered on changing the language in the canons to be consistent with designating churches as "a congregation" instead of "a parish" or "a mission."