Confrontation and reconciliation were part of the convention of the Diocese of New Jersey, which met Nov. 10-11 at a hotel in New Brunswick.

The Rt. Rev. Joe Morris Doss, Bishop of New Jersey, who was presiding over convention for the first time, announced plans to call a convocation on racism May 4. The Rev. Terrence W. Rosheuvel, rector of St. Thomas' Church, Red Bank, said he and a group of black delegates had not been told about the plans and that making such arrangements without consulting them was "part of a continuing pattern of ignoring and excluding us."

A short time later, the convention was recessed to enable delegates to discuss what they heard. When the session was reconvened, Bishop Doss asked black leaders to join him on the platform for an effort at personal reconciliation. He said he would work with black clergy and lay leaders, and the encounter ended with prayer.

In other business, the convention changed its method of diocesan giving. Mandatory fair share giving was rejected in favor of contributions being made on the basis of a "voluntary pledge" from vestries.

"If it works, I'll be glad," Bishop Doss told Via Media, New Jersey's diocesan newspaper, but said, "I've seen too many other dioceses where the giving went to pot."

Convention also adopted a resolution to permit lay deputies to vote as individuals rather than by congregations when votes by orders are called for, and approved three convention votes to members of the diocesan youth commission. It was also decided to move the convention date to March.

Former Gov. Thomas H. Kean, president of Drew University, was master of ceremonies for the convention banquet. The Rt. Rev. Frederick W. Putnam, retired Bishop of Navajoland, was the banquet speaker.