By passing a resolution "affirming our Anglican tradition and communion," priests and church members representing 36,000 Episcopalians in the state said that "blessings of same-sex unions and ordinations of non-celibate unmarried persons are not part of the common life of this diocese."

Bishop V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire was approved Aug. 5 by the Episcopal Church General Convention, even though he talked openly of his homosexual relationship with his longtime partner. Robinson has been consecrated and takes office as the top bishop of New Hampshire on March 7. Episcopalians traditionally teach that sex outside marriage is wrong, but the national church passed a statement last year that acknowledged the right of churches to experiment with rituals for same-sex unions.

Alabama Episcopalians got their first formal chance to respond Saturday.

"It gives us a clear statement as a family," said the Rev. Rich Webster, rector of St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Mountain Brook, which hosted the special one-day meeting of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. "This is the first chance we've had to speak since August. We'll keep on preaching the Gospel."

The statement rejecting Bishop Robinson and opposing same-sex unions provoked extensive debate and passed by only 208-140, showing how contentious the issue of same-sex unions remains even among Episcopalians in the Deep South. "Our churches are reinterpreting scripture to justify this sin," church member Marlene Hayes of Fort Payne said, reflecting the majority vote.

"The sad part to me is the national church is moving forward to a more inclusive church and Alabama's dissension is a repetition of history," said Brad LaMonte, a member of Grace Episcopal Church in Woodlawn and regional vice president for Integrity, a national ministry for gay and lesbian Episcopalians. "It's resistance toward progress in Alabama. But this was not a large victory for the conservatives. It was very narrow."

Although five churches in the diocese designated that some of their money be held back from funding the national budget as a protest to the Robinson vote, no Alabama churches are planning to leave the denomination. The diocese has significantly reduced its funding to the national church this year, but still supports the ministries of the denomination, Parsley said.

The diocesan budget of $2.29 million for 2004 is down from $2.54 million in 2003. "Our diocesan budget is terribly tight this year," Parsley said. Because of that, the diocese will send about 10 percent less money to the denomination this year, about 19 percent of its total budget.

Parsley allowed donors upset about the Robinson decision to designate that portions of their contributions not go to the national church budget. Two proposals to cut funding for the national church even further were voted down Saturday.

"You're punishing the people, that's who you're hurting," said the Rev. Jay Croft, rector of St. John's Episcopal Church for the Deaf, of those who would hold back funding. "You can't get anyone's attention that way."

Parsley made a plea for reconciliation.

"I hope that we will not focus or obsess on the issues that divide us," he said. "Living with disagreement is a spiritual challenge."

LaMonte said that those who opposed Robinson are withholding money to express their reaction, but he expects financial support will bounce back as people get used to the idea of an openly gay bishop and the blessing of same-sex unions. "Ten years ago, these issues would not have gotten any support," he said.

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