The nation's Episcopal bishops rebuked conservative colleagues Wednesday who defied church law by leading a confirmation service in Ohio without authorization -- an act tied directly to the denomination's rift over gay clergy.
Wednesday's statement warned that future violations will provoke church trials of offending bishops. But conservatives remained defiant, suggesting that such showdowns are likely.
Concluding a meeting in Navasota, Texas, the Episcopal hierarchy issued a statement repudiating five retired bishops who were invited to the Ohio service by conservative parishes that -- like others elsewhere -- will not accept leadership from the local bishop because he backed the election of an openly gay bishop in New Hampshire last year.
The prelates decided not to indict the five for breaking church law. Instead, they were ordered to meet with Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold and his Council of Advice.
But Wednesday's statement said those who perform further bishops' duties without permission from the resident bishop "will be subject to discipline."
The majority of Episcopal bishops and delegates to the church's national convention last year favored V. Gene Robinson's elevation to New Hampshire bishop, but perhaps 15 percent of the denomination is deeply opposed to gay clergy. Division over the issue has threatened to split the church.
In Texas, the church leaders also worked three days to produce a plan for visiting bishops to serve conservative parishes -- but only after approval from the resident bishop. Parishes could appeal disagreements to regional bishops.
However, the conservative American Anglican Council said Wednesday the plan is nothing but "nonbinding mediation," and favors the rights of liberal bishops over the beliefs of priests and parishioners who oppose same-sex activity.
The AAC, which aided the Ohio service, pledged future support for visiting bishops "who courageously and compassionately seek to minister" to conservatives. The group's president, Canon David Anderson said failure to help conservatives is precisely why the Ohio ceremony took place.
Meanwhile, moderate and liberal Episcopalians within conservative dioceses that oppose gay clergy begin their first national caucus behind closed doors in Atlanta on Thursday.