The convention of the Diocese of Western New York, meeting in Buffalo Oct. 29 -30, was the Rt. Rev. J. Michael Garrison's first as bishop. The convention was one which affirmed a unity of spirit and purpose.

The delegates were introduced, via skit, with the Percept program of which the diocese is a member. This program provides basic demographic data to each congregation. Congregations may then choose to secure more detailed data on specific areas of concern.

The highlight of the convention was two Saturday workshops by the Rev. William Tully, rector of St. Bartholomew's Church, New York City, on new member ministry and the welcome and incorporation of new people in a congregation.

Among the resolutions approved was one which called on state and federal legislators to pass legislation banning the manufacture, import, and sale of automatic weapons, and to ban possession of these weapons.

A second resolution directs diocesan council to identify 0.7 percent of the diocesan budget expenses projected for 2000 for expenditure for programs and projects appropriate as a response to the Jubilee imperatives of debt forgiveness, environmental stewardship, and human liberation, and further to encourage each congregation to designate a similar percentage of congregational budgets for participation in programs and projects appropriate as a response to the designation of 2000 as a Jubilee year.

Another resolution added diocesan assent to the Cambridge Accord. The budget for 2000 of $1.1 million was adopted.

(The Rev.) Don Hill