The national church's electronic media office has made plans for three telecasts from General Convention to be broadcast to downlink sites around the country.

Ethan Flad, national satellite downlink coordinator, said access to the programs is free but registration is required so the office can provide transponder information. Mr. Flad's office will work with any group that has the necessary C-band large satellite dish. He is contacting diocesan communications officers to help them establish or locate sites. Many cathedrals are already part of the Episcopal Cathedral Teleconferencing Network sponsored by Trinity Church, Wall Street. Other communities may have sites in university or government offices

The three programs scheduled are intended to keep church members far from Philadelphia up to date on convention proceedings, and even allow participation in the form of phone-in question- and-an swer sessions, The first will take place on Thursday, July 17, from 4-6:30 p.m. EDT, and will be live from the Episcopal Church Women's Triennial forum on "Advocacy for Youth and Children at Risk."

The Saturday, July 19 program, 4-6:30 EDT, will feature highlights from the convention Eucharist, to include the sermon by the Most Rev. George Carey, Archbishop of Canterbury, and updates of legislative actions. Viewers at downlinks may call in questions.

The third session, Wednesday, July 23, will present the first news conference with the Presiding Bishop-elect, whose selection will take place on Monday, July 21. It will include a legislative review and a phone-in question-and-answer segment. This will air at 6-8 p.m. Eastern time and will be repeated from 10-midnight EDT for western time zone participants.

Mr. Flad stated in a letter, "We are exploring offering a live RealAudio Internet broadcast of each event for people with computers that can use this technology, and who may live far from a downlink site. ... interested persons [should] check the national church's web site at www.DFMS.org for updated news on both RealAudio and downlinking." He also said anyone interested in setting up or finding a site should phone him at a tollfree number: 1-888-965-9659, or e-mail questions to teleconf@dfms.org.