The Episcopal Diocese of San Diego and St. John's members who didn't want to break away are suing to get possession of the building. They argue that the former officers lost their authority when they voted to leave the denomination.

But Judge Jacqueline Stern disagreed. "It is clear that plaintiffs have not met their burden of proof on this motion," she wrote. However, she told both sides at yesterday's hearing that she wanted more time before issuing her final decision.

Williams was encouraged to learn of Mr Khatami's work in establishing a center in Geneva to pursue his 'Dialogue of Civilisations' initiative. Williams said that the meeting had been a positive one.

The appointment of Gene Robinson sparked fury from African Churches and other traditionalists.

The US Episcopal Church's governing general convention meeting in Ohio - at which Katharine Jefferts Schori was voted leader - is under pressure to "repent" of its decision to ordain him.

Traditionalists also want it to ban future openly gay bishops and to end the blessing of same-sex unions in church services.

'Two positions'

As a result, the whereabouts of the computer is a mystery, subpoenas have been issued and the focus of a federal investigation has broadened beyond Mr. Tate to include others who may have been responsible for how the situation has been handled. It is not clear who notified the authorities.