NEW YORK, Oct 20 (AFP) - The US diocese of New Hampshire, which opened a rift in the global Anglican communion by electing an openly gay bishop, has apologised for the pain it caused, but reaffirmed support for the appointment.
"We acknowledge and regret the pain and confusion caused by the election and consecration of our bishop," the diocesan standing committee said in a statement issued late Tuesday.
"We now realize more fully that our action, in response to a sincere understanding of God's calling, has caused deep distress for many in our communion," it said.
The statement came a day after a report by an international commission of senior Anglican Church figures called for the US Episcopal Church, which sanctioned the appointment of Bishop Gene Robinson in New Hampshire, to apologise for the crisis triggered by its action.
It also urged the 53 bishops who assisted at Robinson's consecration in November last year to consider standing down.
Robinson's accession, and other moves such as a decision by a Canadian diocese to bless same-sex unions, have been vehemently opposed by more conservative Anglicans, notably those in African countries.
Church leaders have warned that failure to reconcile the two sides could see the 70-million-strong worldwide Anglican community split down the middle.
While the statement by the New Hampshire diocese was conciliatory in tone, it also made clear the standing committee's continued support for Robinson.
"We affirm the ministry of our bishop and applaud his efforts at reaching out in ways that are sensitive and caring, especially to those who are deeply distressed by his election and consecration," the statement said.
10/20/2004 14:00 GMT