It may seem as though we just finished the 72nd General Convention in Philadelphia, but preparations already are being made for the 73rd convention, to be held during the summer of 2000 in Denver. During the diocesan conventions recently completed, deputies and alternate deputies were elected to that next convention. Another 30 or so dioceses will be electing their deputies during the early months of 1999.

Being elected a General Convention deputy is an enormous responsibility. Besides the commitment of time (11 days in midsummer to attend the convention), there are hours of study to prepare for the event. Deputies need to familiarize themselves with the issues and legislation to be considered at convention and to know the mind of the diocese they represent.

We hope the dioceses which have yet to choose General Convention deputies will be serious about their elections. They are not popularity contests. Rather, the voting is to find persons who will represent the diocese well, who understand the national church and how it works, and who have knowledge of the issues facing the Episcopal Church. General Convention deputies will help determine the future of the Episcopal Church. The elections for those positions should be taken seriously.