The Rev. Van McCalister, public relations officer for the diocese, said the change in date was primarily made to give the voting members of convention time for prayer and careful consideration of the unusually large number of important events scheduled this fall. These include the fall meeting of the House of Bishops, at which the bishops are expected to consider requests made of The Episcopal Church by the primates of the Anglican Communion.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are very aware of the fact that this is a very important transitional moment, no matter how the vote goes,\u201d\u009d Fr. McCalister said. \u201cWe\u2019re just in a \u201d\u02dcwait-and-see\u2019 mode right now, however.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n
Last year diocesan clergy and lay delegates approved the first reading of controversial changes to remove language acknowledging the diocese as a constituent part of The Episcopal Church from its constitution and canons. In order to be approved, the changes must pass at two consecutive conventions. If approved it is possible that the diocese would face a legal challenge.<\/p>\n