That procedure would see the alternative bishop appointed from a list that Archbishop Buckle maintains as the Metropolitan (Chief Bishop) of the Ecclesiastical Province of British Columbia and Yukon - one of four regions or provinces that make up the Anglican Church of Canada.

The diocese welcomed the Panel's report a week ago shortly after it was released, stating the hope that it would be a basis of reconciliation with the protesting parishes.

We are called to be a "one, holy, catholic and apostolic" church and to affirm loyalty to the authority of Scripture and the traditional teachings of the Church. Though we recognise the principle of unity in diversity, Scripture should remain our guide in all matters of doctrine, ethics and decision-making. As has become apparent, we ignore Biblical teaching, the Apostolic Faith, and Church practice at our peril, and compromise our unity, fellowship, and communion.

Before becoming bishop, Baxter, 58, a graduate of Lancaster Theological Seminary, was rector at St. James Episcopal Church in Lancaster for almost three years. Prior to that, he was dean of the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C. Because of Baxter's many Lancaster ties, the consecration featured a strong local flavor.

'Infinite worth'

The huge temple building, which resembles a sports arena, had ground-level and tier seating. Nearly all available seats were filled.

Many of the delegates hope that a year's delay will allow the international Anglican Communion to create a new home for conservative American Episcopalians. The Anglican Communion is an association of independent national churches.

"We're still in the opening act of this play," said Steve Wilensky, a convention delegate from St. John's Episcopal Church in Dallas who said he would have preferred a more definitive disconnection from the denomination.