Episcopalians in the Diocese of Los Angeles were asked to become better stewards of God's creation. Approximately 1,000 people came to worship, cruise the 85-vendor exhibit hall and participate in the diocesan convention at Raincross Square in Riverside Dec. 1-2.

As part of the stewardship efforts clergy and lay delegates called on diocesan council to monitor and publish the progress of the diocese in implementing its intention "to lead simpler lives that will put less strain on the resources of the earth."

The commitment to environmental stewardship was an outgrowth of action taken by the 1999 convention which called for 2000 to be a year of study and reflection on the stewardship implications and commitments of Lambeth. Even though it was to be a time of study, diocesan individuals, congregations and institutions took the message to heart and launched a number of initiatives.

Among those honored with solar panels were the Rt. Rev. Frederick H. Borsch, Bishop of Los Angeles, and Peter Bergstrom, executive director of Camp Stevens. A number of others received gifts of potted California coastal live oak seedlings.

In addition to the resolution dealing with stewardship, convention supported six others concerning continuing education for all clergy, jubilee economic sharing, qualification for resident college tuition fees, adoption awareness, post-abortion stress, and Christians in Sudan.

The $3.62 million budget represents slightly more than a 1 percent increase over the previous year.