The Rt. Rev. William C. Wantland, Bishop of Eau Claire, called for the election of his successor when he addressed the diocesan convention, Oct. 18-19 in Chippewa Falls, Wis. Bishop Wantland made official what he had hinted at for some time, that he would resign upon the consecration of his successor, sometime in the spring of 1999.

Bishop Wantland, one of four diocesan bishops not to approve ordination of women as priests, noted in his convention address that there is a moratorium in the diocese on all persons, male or female, entering the ordination process until the consecration of the next bishop.

A resolution to change the canon on congregational assessment to be based on the three-year average of net disposable income was adopted.

Also adopted was a resolution asking all congregations to determine if they are using their resources to proclaim the gospel and to make disciples, or if they are maintaining the status quo.

A resolution asking the appointment of a committee to establish dialogue with the other two Wisconsin dioceses to explore the possibility of unification was referred to the long-range planning committee.

A budget of $237,010 was adopted.