The 125th convention of the Diocese of Newark was marked, unlike so many past conventions, by a spirit of peace, unity and concord. This gathering looked back over the past century and a quarter but, more especially, at the last 23 years under the leadership of the Rt. Rev. John Shelby Spong, Bishop of Newark.

The convention also was host to two visiting bishops as guest preachers: the Rt. Rev. Robert Ihloff, Bishop of Maryland, and the Rt. Rev. Richard Shimpfky, Bishop of El Camino Real. Both bishops were parish priests in the Diocese of Newark when they were elected to the episcopate.

The convention approved, with little or no debate, a total of 14 resolutions. In summary, it resolved to repent of all the acrimony within the church; to designate Oct. 3 to commemorate John E. Hines, 22nd Presiding Bishop; to examine and educate ourselves about international debt; to support the blessing of committed, monogamous, life-long relationships; to create the honorary position of diocesan poet laureate; to make known the concern of the diocese for the environment as New Jersey deregulates the electric industry; to affirm the full text of the resolution of the national council of Affirming Catholicism; to affirm Section C of Resolution 1.10 of the Lambeth Conference encouraging the church "to listen to the experience of homosexual persons." A budget of $2,743,300 was approved.

The convention also adopted four resolutions supporting hate-crimes legislation, anti-racism, and inclusive organizations such as Integrity while condemning prejudice. The convention was unable to adopt a resolution to use minority- and women-owned and operated businesses.

News that collection depots have been arranged and containers will be shipped to the victims of Hurricane Mitch in Central America was met with great enthusiasm.

Bishop Spong's address to the convention was full of humor and nostalgia, as his episcopate draws to a close in one year. After being Bishop of Newark for nearly 24 years, he expressed his gratitude for being called. He announced that he does "not plan to abdicate episcopal authority" until the date of his retirement at the end of January 2000.

He also made clear his condemnation of Lambeth's resolution on homosexuality. He said, "and, please quote me, Lambeth's resolution is unchristian, uninformed, prejudiced, and evil." Bishop Spong will relinquish the gavel to Bishop Coadjutor John Croneberger at the 126th convention of the diocese.