The convention of the Diocese of Iowa, meeting in Des Moines, Oct. 9-10, celebrated the 10th anniversary of the consecration of the Rt. Rev. C. Christopher Epting as eighth Bishop of Iowa.

Delegates heard and discussed a strategic plan for Jan. 1, 1999-2005, presented by the Long-Range Planning and Discernment Team. In his convention address, Bishop Epting spoke to each of the three goals: foster evangelism, nurture discipleship and maximize stewardship of resources.

The Swaziland House-Building Team showed a video of the project from last spring and outlined continuing plans for cooperation with Iowa's companion dioceses of Swaziland (Africa) and Brechin (Scotland).

A $1,011,732 budget was approved, which includes funding for a full-time diocesan youth minister.