The international gathering of about 200 conservatives and traditionalists discussed what to do in light of the Episcopal Church USA decision last summer to accept an openly gay bishop, Gene Robinson of New Hampshire, as well as same-sex blessings. The wider Anglican Communion follows traditional Christian teachings that gay practices are sinful.

The institute is proposing that the American bishops who supported those moves repent or face exclusion or the loss of a vote in worldwide Anglican meetings. That proposal is being sent to the Lambeth Commission set up by the current Archbishop of Canterbury to discuss the implications of the Episcopal Church USA decisions.

A truce also appears to be over between Colorado conservatives and O'Neill, who supported the Episcopal Church on Robinson and same-sex
blessings. After taking office in January, O'Neill had asked for time to find a compromise pleasing to both sides.

"We've given him plenty of chances," said the Rev. Don Armstrong. He is pastor of Grace and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, one of the largest in the state, which played conference host. "Rob O'Neill needs to be honest that he's already left the communion."

Armstrong said Colorado conservatives will withhhold $450,000 from the diocese in 2004. The bishop, who had been invited to the conference but did not attend, was unavailable for comment Thursday.

Meanwhile, Carey, a frequent visitor to Colorado who calls himself "a friend of the American church," still held out hope that the 77 million- member Anglican Communion would recover, though he conceded the problems were massive.

"We're in danger of becoming a Christian sect," he said and later quipped, "I'm 18 months out of office and rather glad I am."

END