Lively discussion with Lutheran leaders on the proposed Concordat of Agreement between the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), and equally lively musical and other associations with visitors from the new companion Diocese of Puerto Rico highlighted the convention of the Diocese of Missouri Nov. 21-23.

The convention began with a Festival Eucharist and a reception. The Rev. Charles Maahs, Bishop of the Central States Synod of the ELCA, was the preacher and concelebrated with the Rt. Rev. Hays Rockwell, Bishop of Missouri.

In his convention address, Bishop Rockwell reviewed progress on the mission goals adopted three years ago. He noted a focus on urban youth at risk, with development of programs that can be replicated in other areas.

Demographic information on which to base mission strategy is being gathered. Urban and rural Mutual Ministry undertakings, based on "the great and ancient truth that the primary credential for ministry is baptism, and not ordination," involve five churches each. Hopes for the future include a full-time campus ministry and capital improvements to the cathedral and diocesan headquarters.

A workshop session on the Concordat was led by Bishop Maahs and his ecumenical officer, the Rev. Sam Roth, along with Bishop Rockwell and the Rev. Warren Crews, ecumenical officer for the Diocese of Missouri.

Two resolutions for submission to the General Convention in Philadelphia were adopted. One concerned an amendment to the national canons providing that salary and other benefits be continued for clergy under temporary inhibition when charges of misconduct have been brought, until wrong is either confessed or pronounced.

The other, concerning rites for blessing committed relationships of same-sex couples, was amended to delete reference to publication in The Book of Occasional Services and Supplemental Liturgical Texts. Inclusion in either of these less-used but officially authorized books would have automatically made such services sanctioned for use in the church. The resolution as amended instructs Missouri's deputies to General Convention to introduce a resolution calling for the publication of a proposed service for further discussion but not for authorized use. The amended resolution also called for the diocese to commit itself to participate in that discussion in its congregations during the next triennium.

Members of the delegation from the Diocese of Puerto Rico led workshops on the new companion relationship and how it can benefit both dioceses.