"We're not going to make that an issue. We're not going to let that get in the way of us getting together," he said. "Obviously, we hope that the congregations will again see they have a duty to participate in the support of the diocese."

The dispute dates from August 2003, when the general convention of the Episcopal Church USA affirmed the Rev. V. Gene Robinson as bishop of the New Hampshire Diocese.

Garrison, who oversees 63 parishes in Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties, voted in favor of Robinson's confirmation. Delegates in Minneapolis also approved a provision for gay unions.

The controversial convention has stirred discord across the country, with some parishes breaking away from their dioceses and becoming embroiled in lawsuits over who owns church property and assets.

In Western New York, the vote led to heated exchanges between the bishop and members of five vocal parishes: St. Stephen's in Niagara Falls, St. Bartholomew's in the Town of Tonawanda, St. Michael and All Angels in Buffalo, St. Mary's in Salamanca and St. Peter's in Forestville.

"I think it's settled down. The reality is no one has changed positions or views on the issues," Garrison said.

The conference Saturday - expected to draw nearly 200 people - is intended to be a unifying event, though it will not skirt the issues that have created strife in the church, said Deacon John Commins, one of the organizers.

It is called "Anglican Essentials: Revisiting Our Anglican Heritage" and will feature the Rev. Leslie P. Fairfield, a professor of church history at the Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry.

"There still is tension, but I think it's dissipated somewhat," said the Rev. Arthur W. Ward Jr., rector of St. Bartholomew's. "2003 caused a lot of division. We experienced our disappointment. But that's over now, and we're going to seek how we can work together in the meantime."

The conference will focus on the origins of Anglicanism.

"What I have found, from Episcopalians and other Christians, is people look at the Episcopal Church as "a hodgepodge, [that] it doesn't matter what you believe, because there are no standards,' " Ward said. "Well, historically there are standards."

Later this month, Garrison also will be making his first liturgical visit to St. Bartholomew's Parish since the dispute arose.

The annual diocesan convention will be held Oct. 28-29.

The issue is expected to become heated again nationally and locally next summer, when the general convention of the Episcopal Church USA next meets.

END