A task force will evaluate and report back to convention whether the Diocese of El Camino Real can maintain its prophetic voice at the same time it competes for a share of social services money that the federal government distributes.

In an effort to make the delivery of social services more efficient, President George W. Bush has proposed a "faith-based initiative" that would make religious charities eligible to receive federal funds and would also broaden tax deductions for charitable giving. In his address to convention Jan. 19-20 in Seaside, Calif., the Rt. Rev. Richard Shimpfky, Bishop of El Camino Real, proposed creation of a diocesan task force to examine the implications for the diocese.

On convention floor, the proposal sparked lively debate about the separation of church and state as well as the diocese's role as the voice of conscience in society. Eventually the measure passed, with the Rev. Mary Elizabeth Pratt-Horsely chairing a six-member committee.

"We basically want to raise and explore ethical and theological issues as well as possibilities," Ms. Pratt-Horsely said. "It's a pretty broad task as I understand it."

Convention also formalized a partnership with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America that began five years ago when it appeared likely that Epiphany Lutheran Church in Marina would close. Epiphany Episcopal/ Lutheran Mission Outreach now serves members of both churches in that growing community under the local leadership of Jon Perez, a lay missioner hoping to be ordained under the Episcopal Church's Canon 9 provision for local ministers.

Bishop Shimpfky and his Lutheran counterpart, the Rev. Robert Mattheis of the Sierra Pacific Synod, signed a covenant relationship and recognized those Episcopalians and Lutherans who have helped to make Epiphany a viable congregation.