The convention of the Diocese of Rhode Island met in Providence Nov. 1-2 at All Saints' Memorial Church.

The convention opened with the Eucharist Friday night celebrated by the Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf, Bishop of Rhode Island. The bishop's stamina was a highlight of the convention, as she presided until the final blessing Saturday afternoon. Bishop Wolf, recovering from breast cancer, received her final chemotherapy treatment in mid-October.

Bishop Wolf's convention address emphasized the caring and support she received from the laity and clergy of the diocese and the community at large. "I'm not sure how many of my sister and brother bishops have been ministered to by their clergy with such devotion and patience," she said. "They are God's beloved to me."

The bishop also described a process of prioritizing diocesan needs and services. "We must not sacrifice the ministry of Jesus Christ to the conservation of our buildings or our memories, or our particular positions in the church," she said. "'Behold, I am making all things new,' said Jesus, words which we must take as a personal invitation to transformation. This renewal begins in our hearts, where Christ is already at work."

The sole controversy of convention was debate of a resolution calling for the 1997 General Convention to direct the Standing Liturgical Commission to develop a service "for the blessing of committed relationships between persons of the same gender" for inclusion in The Book of Occasional Services. The bishop directed a division of the house; the resolution was adopted, 126 to 74. There was no call for a vote by orders.

The apportionment budget for 1997 of $1,173,847 was adopted unanimously.

(The Rev.) Peter Michaelson