Older, more conservative bishops are heard less, and the church is slowly taking up the art of public relations.

This year is no exception, a prime example being the outspokenness of some conservative bishops.

But a conservative bishop may remove a priest's certification (approval) to minister.

A few conservative bishops continue to warn members against the threat of worldliness that comes with such commerce.

When a leading conservative bishop dismissed the priest who made them public, the rift deepened.

As a result, the periodical's career was stormy and its circulation opposed by conservative bishops.

They are joined by a few extremely conservative Anglo-Catholic bishops.

It asks these conservative bishops to desist and "express regret for the consequences of their actions."

The party was mainly supported by Catholics who followed more conservative bishops like Simonis.

Despite the frustration with church leadership - almost all remarks about conservative bishops drew laughter - the meeting's mood was subdued rather than angry.