"We may rightly want to defend ourselves and one another - our people, our families, the weak and vulnerable among us. But we are not forced to act in revengeful ways, holding up a mirror to the terrible acts done to us. If we do act in the same way as our enemies, we imprison ourselves in their anger, their evil. And we fail to show our belief in the living God who always requires of us justice and goodness."

The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles is suing three Southern California
churches, including St. James Church in Newport Beach. The diocese alleges that the churches committed a breach of fiduciary duty when they broke away from the diocese and aligned with an African church in the worldwide Anglican Communion last month.

In an appeal for tolerance, the bishop argued that the spirit had a habit of "stretching" the Church to make room for "new realities".

Bishop Griswold's sermon followed growing speculation that he and other liberal bishops would be punished for consecrating Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire last year.

Chaired by Dr Robin Eames, the Archbishop of Amagh and Primate of Ireland, the commission ended the third of its meetings in a series of "challenging" workshops without completing its report.

Further work will be needed before the final draft is presented to Dr Williams this month. The report is expected to make a "profound and practical impact" on the future shape of the Anglican Communion, a spokesman said.