Zacchaeus climbed a tree for a better look at Jesus. Episcopalians gathered in private homes, churches, educational facilities, nursing homes and even at their computers to watch speakers address the present and future of the church.

In the Diocese of Western New York, representatives from 32 of 67 congregations, and others, viewed the Trinity Institute teleconference on Sept. 27-29 at four locations. Eleven congregations sent teams of laity as requested by the Zacchaeus Project [TLC, July 11]. Thanks to the technology of the Internet, comments also were received from viewers around the country. Overall, the response to the broadcasts was favorable, praising the event for putting human faces onto the written Zacchaeus Report.

The four videos created by James Alt were particularly appreciated for filling in some "gaps" in the report, such as churches responding to urban issues. Clergy and laity alike welcomed the variety of concrete suggestions gleaned from the conference: "Something to really do, not just think about," applauded the Rev. Julia Dempz in Grosse Pointe, Mich.

"I particularly liked Robert Wuthnow's articulation from 'dwelling' to 'seeking,' to a new, practice-oriented spirituality, dependent on being part of a community of memory but leading to action," e-mailed the Rev. Canon Ted Malone from North Carolina. Gerhard Heinen, a vestry member in Michigan, commented, "I could see myself in the way they described how spirituality matures - the evolution from seeking to self-interest to practicing your faith by reaching out. New technology is speeding up that evolution."

The theme of technology, especially as it affects evangelism to the younger generations (the "Busters" and the "Blasters," according to Phyllis Tickle) produced excitement and extended conversation. "Kids already operate primarily by e-mail communication," noted several Western New York viewers. "They expect immediacy. It also has them thinking in diocesan-wide terms" as they keep in touch with friends made at camps and other gatherings.

A major element missing from the discussions was the "unchurched," as opposed to the "otherwise churched." Frustration was heard in comments from the floor, over the telephone and during the discussion break, that there seemed to be an underlying assumption that congregations would not, or could not, attract first-time Christians. Donald Miller's forecast that we should eventually draw disaffected "new-paradigm churchgoers" did not assuage concerns about living out the great commission.

The emphasis on reaching youth also generated significant discussion. "There was more negative discussion than I expected, especially about the loss of membership and youth," stated a viewer in Jamestown, N.Y., "but perhaps it's a call to do something to address these problems." George Gallup's advice to "hire a full-time youth minister" was praised by congregations that already have one, but was dismissed by many viewers as impractical. "We can't afford a full-time priest, let alone a youth minister!" exclaimed Betty Carson, warden in Franklinville, N.Y.

Stephen Carter's presentation on the final morning was a change of pace from the previous day's sociological approach, as he offered his personal views as an on-again, off-again, "cradle Episcopalian." He raised questions about "politics" affecting the first impressions of newcomers, and even sermon content. The discussion break found preachers reacting to Mr. Carter's challenge that they "play it safe" to avoid offense. "I offend people every week!" one joked.

More seriously, the gathered clergy felt they did not compromise their view of the gospel to be crowd-pleasers. Instead, they noted that the Episcopal deployment system almost ensures that clergy and congregations will not hold very different views: a "liberal" congregation is likely to choose a more liberal priest, and vice-versa. If politics are truly unavoidable, the larger issues become, does a congregation encourage people of differing views to hide, to condemn, to leave, or to talk with each other?

Perhaps the biggest question left unanswered by both the report and the teleconference was that of non-Anglo influences. From the nave of Trinity Church, Mr. Alt asserted that most of the conclusions drawn by the panelists applied to white, upper-middle class, well-educated congregations - but not to others, especially predominantly Latino and African-American churches.

(The Rev.) Susan Anslow Williams