The Rt. Rev. David Bowman, Bishop of Western New York, spoke about the future of Anglicanism in America when he addressed his diocesan convention Oct. 25-26 at a Buffalo hotel. "I think the core issue we are facing is one of identity," Bishop Bowman said.

"What kind of church are we going to be? Are we going to be a church that narrowly defines who we are, that insists on particular forms of behavior and that will not allow others into this church unless they agree with their particular point of view?

"Or are we going to continue to be a church that rejoices in and encourages diversity and comprehensiveness, a church that believes no one part or one person has a corner on the truth, a church that believes God's truth is best discovered when we gather together in the midst of our diversity and ambiguity and sincerely try to listen ... to what God is telling us?"

The convention theme was "Children and Youth Ministry, Children at Risk." Keynote speaker was Dee Whyte of the Massachusetts Children's Trust.

A choir of young people provided music for the convention Eucharist.