Los Angeles Diocese officials said Monday they would appeal the ruling by Orange County Superior Court Judge David C. Velasquez , just as they appealed his August ruling in favor of the Newport Beach parish.

"We continue to be very confident of our position on all three of these cases and believe the Court of Appeal will see it our way," said diocesan attorney John Shiner.

That is, it fell from 1.3 million in 1961 to 642,000 in 2001. Moreover, the rate of decline is quickening, the drop between 1981 and 2001 being much sharper than that between 1961 and 1981.

"Many congregations are struggling," the report said. "A significant number have been incurring operating deficits, and some are in fear for their very existence."

The 47-page profile, titled "Signs of Grace," aims, in part, to serve as a guidepost for clergy and lay people involved in the search to replace Bishop John P. Croneberger, who will retire at the beginning of 2007.

Canon Davies, who has been Precentor for 20 years, and Mr McEnery met 18 years ago at a party in Canon Davies’s house in the cathedral close. Mr McEnery, 41, moved in shortly afterwards. Initial plans for a religious service were dropped out of respect for church sensitivities. Clergy who register civil partnerships have to give their bishop assurances that their relationship is celibate.

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Vicar's gay 'marriage' to have church blessing