The other churches are All Souls, the Church of the Redeemer and Calvary Church, all in Jacksonville: St. Michael's in Gainesville and St. Luke's Community Church of Life in Tallahassee.

Together, they represent about 4,000 parishioners in a diocese that includes 77 congregations and about 35,000 members in 25 counties in northeast Florida. Several conservative Episcopal congregations in other states have also protested Robinson's consecration, saying it violates the Bible.

While disappointed that you did not grant our request, we are grateful for your recognition that we are seeking to act together as two missions and four parishes. We understand that you believe we in "the six congregations have ignored an important avenue for reconciliation," (your letter, p. 17) and we are together in being open to considering other forms of oversight with you.

Dr. William Witt, a spokesman for the vestry, says members of St. John's are doing the best they can to stick together as a parish.

Now the church plans to lump its 29 dioceses into regional archdioceses. Then it will appoint new bishops specifically for missionary work in areas where its influence has been weakened.

"These will be bishops without judicial authority or physical office and will be working under a senior bishop," said Bishop Eliud Wabukhala, who chaired the five-man committee that has recommended the reforms.