The Rev. Hugh Magers, evangelism officer for the national church, was the guest speaker at the convention of the Diocese of North Dakota, Oct. 3-5 at Gethsemane Cathedral, Fargo.

Fr. Magers spoke about what it takes for a congregation to live and grow, and the diocesan mission strategy committee led data gathering/planning sessions.

A potentially controversial resolution calling for the diocese to take a stand against abortion was withdrawn, and discussion followed with persons on both sides of the issue sharing concerns.