The Rt. Rev. Robert W. Duncan, Bishop Coadjutor of Pittsburgh, outlined characteristics of congregations that are truly missionary when he addressed the diocesan convention in Pittsburgh Nov. 2.

Bishop Duncan said those characteristics are dynamic worship, unbounded prayer, personal knowledge of Jesus Christ, people loving each other in "costly, sacrificial ways," apostolic engagement and sacrificial outreach.

He also spoke of the challenges of the future, including sustaining city churches in impoverished neighborhoods, rebuilding trust at the national level, working with Lutherans and Roman Catholics, and capturing the imaginations of young people.

"Much of what happens will depend on where we focus our attentions and energies," he said. "Can we stay focused on the mission? Can we continue to believe that those with whom we disagree are our brothers and sisters?"

On All Saints' Day, delegates celebrated the ministry of the Rt. Rev. Alden Hathaway at Trinity Cathedral. Bishop Hathaway will retire soon.

Among the resolutions adopted by convention was one which addressed the national church asking. The resolution states each parish must pay its share of the mandated portion of the national church assessment and each has the option of paying all or part of its share of the non-mandatory national church objective.

If a parish pays less than all of its share, then the funds withheld must be used for missionary purposes approved by diocesan council.