The convention of the Diocese of the Central Gulf Coast was held Feb. 6-8 at Lakepoint State Park in Eufala, Ala.

Considerable time was spent discussing a proposal by the Rt. Rev. Charles Duvall, diocesan bishop, regarding the sexual behavior of clergy. In his convention address, Bishop Duvall proposed an amendment to a diocesan canon.

"Each member of the clergy (and each postulant and candidate in the process of ordination) is expected to be a wholesome example to all people," the bishop suggested. "This holiness of life includes, but is not confined to, the action of faithfulness to one's spouse and abstinence from sexual intercourse outside the bonds of holy matrimony."

Following discussion, the convention asked the standing committee and chancellors to study the proposed canonical change and bring a recommendation on the matter to the 1998 convention.

A diocesan budget of just under $1.5 million was adopted, an increase of about $70,000 over the 1996 budget.