Living Stones, a group of 14 Canadian and U.S. dioceses committed to local ministry development, grew by five new members at its annual meeting Feb. 22-23 in Burlingame, Calif.

In addition, another three dioceses expressed interest in joining, according to the Rev. Canon Susanne Watson, canon to the ordinary for the Diocese of Iowa and convenor of the organization.

The partnership of dioceses seeks a "renewed vision of local ministry," recognizing that all Christian ministry is rooted in the covenant of baptism, explained Canon Watson.

Member dioceses present case studies of their efforts at Total Ministry, or mutual ministry. Those studies were discussed in small groups during the two-day meeting.

Joining as diocesan partners this year were Eastern Oregon, Eastern Michigan, Vermont, West Virginia and Calgary, Canada. Sending observers were Wyoming, Northern California and Michigan.

Other U.S. diocesan partners are Iowa, Kansas, Nevada, North Dakota, Northern Michigan, Ohio, Olympia and South Dakota. Canadian members are Kootenay, Nova Scotia, Qu'Appelle and Rupert's Land.