Episcopalians pass measure urging 'restraint' on gay bishops
Action leaves both sides disgruntled
By Cathy Lynn Grossman
USA TODAY

The Episcopal Church USA, under intense pressure from international Anglican leaders, reversed itself Wednesday and passed a much-disputed resolution urging dioceses to 'exercise restraint' on choosing openly gay bishops.

The vote left the governing meeting of the 2.3-million-member church in disarray.

A day earlier a similar resolution was defeated: Progressives refused to accept any restrictions on the rights and roles of gay and lesbian Episcopalians, and traditionalists insisted on a clear ban on gay bishops and blessings of same-sex unions.

On Wednesday, both sides were still unhappy. the rest