They also raised money to help rebuild hurricane-ravaged churches in Jenkins' diocese and neighboring areas.

"It's kind of a historic meeting," the Rev. J.D. Brown, the associate for pastoral care at St. Francis, said last week. The two bishops are close friends, she said, adding that "although they come from different sides of the issues that confront the church, they are both supportive of the health of the church as a whole."

The visit was the result of a controversy that has divided the Episcopal Church and its partner churches in the global Anglican Communion.

In 2003, the Episcopal Church approved the ordination of its first openly gay bishop, prompting an outcry from conservatives.

The controversy cut through individual congregations and was sharply debated at St. Francis, although the church's ministers and many members opposed the move. A number of members have reduced financial pledges to the diocese.

Gulick, in his confirmation visits to some churches since the vote, has brought with him another, more conservative bishop who could confirm those who would prefer that Gulick not perform their confirmations.

About 19 people were confirmed by Gulick and the rest by Jenkins.

Linda Tarter, 55, a registered nurse who lives near Glenmary, was confirmed by Jenkins yesterday, but said it just "worked out that way."

Tarter said she's so new to the church that she knows little of the controversy and that she just happened to kneel on Jenkins' side.

"I was just pleased to meet another bishop," she said. "I really liked it."

But for some members of the congregation, Jenkins' presence was welcome and necessary. Gary Bockhorst, who lives in the East End and is retired from the advertising and broadcast industries, said it was important to invite Jenkins yesterday because he "represents the orthodox Christian faith."

Having bishops on both sides of the issue gives the congregation a chance to make their own choice, said Bockhorst, a member of the church vestry.

"A number of people in this parish felt the spirit lead them in a more orthodox way, which pleased me," he said.

Brown said such situations were handled in as low-key a way as possible, with the bishops starting at opposite ends of the communion rail and working toward the center. Those who preferred to be confirmed by Jenkins were told ahead of time they should go to his side.

Gulick said last week he was happy to accommodate them but also invited Jenkins as a way to "turn this into something really exciting."

"We're turning it into a missionary opportunity," he said. "And it's a story about St. Francis' loyalty to the diocese. ... And also it's about the fact that Charles Jenkins and I are very good friends."

About 36 people were scheduled to be confirmed, and the others were to be "received" into the church. The Episcopal Church uses that procedure for those joining from Catholic and other liturgical churches.

The denomination's General Convention, to be held in Columbus, Ohio, next month, will vote on a new presiding bishop, choosing from among Gulick, Jenkins and five other nominees.

END