"A Structure for Growth" was presented to the convention of the Diocese of Milwaukee, Oct. 9 in Madison, Wis. The presentation included both the vision of the Rt. Rev. Roger White, Bishop of Milwaukee, for the future of the diocese and the report of the blue ribbon commission regarding the restructure of the diocese. The bishop stated his belief that God is calling the diocese to be one church in mission, a mission grounded in the local parish. The goal of this mission is growth, not only in total membership but also in ministry and service through the development of committed disciples.

In its restructure report, the commission recommended disbanding the deanery system and replacing it with a new structure that would cluster parishes into three groups by size, with a redeveloping cluster for start-up and start-over parishes. The convention endorsed in principle both the bishop's vision and the commission's report. In keeping with these changes, a new mission statement was presented: "The Diocese of Milwaukee will serve congregations in leading people inside and outside the church to know Christ."

The budget process generated a good deal of discussion. Two budgets had been prepared for consideration by the convention, both reflecting a substantial increase in the amount of money budgeted for congregational development, an increase of 29 percent in budget 1 and of 42 percent in budget 2. A resolution to amend the assessment formula to grant parishes clergy credit during the first two years following a hire was defeated. A motion to limit the amount the budget could be increased to a 2 percent cost of living increase was also defeated. Budget 1, amounting to $1.67 million, was approved.

Other resolutions adopted included one that would put 10 percent of unrestricted diocesan invested funds toward community economic development and another that would rewrite the diocesan canons to clarify the definition of membership. A resolution to poll members of the diocese for guidance as to whether the Episcopal Church should authorize the blessing of same-sex relationships failed.