The convention of the Diocese of Easton was held Jan. 29-30 at Rising Sun, Md., with the Rt. Rev. Martin G. Townsend presiding.

In his address to the convention, Bishop Townsend emphasized the areas of growth in the diocese: Seven congregations have initiated building projects, work on the community service building is continuing in Hillsboro, Camp Wright has grown in programs and number of campers, a Spanish language ministry has been developed, and the diocesan school for Total Ministry is flourishing. The bishop indicated areas needing greater attention: deployment of women clergy, issues of sexuality, greater evangelism, and increased roles for all church members.

The diocese presents the annual Bray-Tubman award, named in honor of two heroes of Maryland's Eastern Shore: Harriet Ross Tubman, a former slave who became the "Moses of her people," and Thomas Bray, a 17th-century bishop's commissary in Maryland who advocated for people who were on the margins of society.

This year's award was presented to the Rev. William Chilton and the Rev. Thomas Hughes, Jr., for their work in establishing the Eastern Shore's Hispanic community.

The convention decided to make world evangelism the theme of its next convention. It also passed resolutions on the use of diocesan property in Ocean City, Md., and on a statement of concern and support to the Diocese of Wyoming, following the death of Matthew Shepard. A 1999 budget of $655,897 was approved.

Sr. Mary Winifred, C.A.