At a time when many persons perceive news of the Episcopal Church to be primarily negative, it has been encouraging to read the news reports from various diocesan conventions. There is plenty of good news to be found at the diocesan level, and by publishing news articles about these conventions, we hope readers will gain a sense of how the mission of the church is being carried out elsewhere.

In many places, bishops are sharing their vision for their dioceses in their convention addresses. In some dioceses, there have been joyous welcoming celebrations for new congregations or for churches which have risen from mission status to full-fledged parish. Some dioceses have heard the good news of the gospel proclaimed by African bishops. Many of these visitors have told encouraging stories of hundreds of new Christians being baptized in their dioceses. Youth delegates and visitors have enlivened some conventions by presenting programs, worship services and testimonies.

Other recent convention reports have included increased emphases on ethnic ministries and the formation of new Companion Diocese relationships. Virginia unveiled a new system of parish giving, Newark approved a camp and conference center in a joint arrangement with Lutherans, and Tennessee revealed a 7.5 percent increase in membership.

There is good news to be found all over the church. Such positive developments need to be shared.