Restructure of the national church will be one of the main issues at this year's convention in Philadelphia. As a deputy, I will be submitting a proposed canonical change calling for a 10-year limit on the term for diocesan bishops. This term limit is long overdue and will fit into the general reorganization of our church life.

In 1994, we wisely passed a resolution making the Presiding Bishop's term of office nine years beginning in 1998. The reasons cited were increased stress, travel and overwork. I would suggest diocesan bishops find themselves in the same situation.

At present there is a built-in discrimination against electing younger clergy to the office of bishop. It seems no diocese is willing to run the risk of having the same bishop for 15 to 25 years. This canonical change would encourage the selection of younger priests.

Nothing in my resolution would prevent a bishop from serving in another diocese when his or her term has expired. Bishops completing their terms could be elected in another diocese, serve as suffragan or assisting bishops, or go back into the parish church.

(The Rev.) Warren Murphy

Christ Church

Cody, Wyo.