When the Diocese of Kansas met in convention Oct. 17-18 in Topeka, the key word for activities well could have been "new."

Delegates approved on second reading changes to the diocesan constitution which create a new governing structure for the diocese. The work of the trustees, diocesan council and standing committee has been rolled into a new body called the council of trustees. The new group has eight members elected by the four convocations and six elected by the convention.

Canonical changes officially recognized diocesan convention as the body that governs the affairs of the diocese, with the council of trustees empowered to act between conventions.

The convention also recognized a new incorporated parish, St. Margaret's in Lawrence. The congregation was formed in 1990 and has grown to a membership of more than 500. Until recently St. Margaret's conducted services in a local elementary school. A new church building has been constructed with its official consecration scheduled for November.

Preaching at the convention Eucharist was the Rev. Doyle Turner, executive director of the Indigenous Peoples Training Institute of the Episcopal Church. He has consulted the diocese on plans to start an ecumenical chaplaincy at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, the largest Native American institution of higher learning in the country.

The convention adopted a budget of more than $1.3 million.