The breach with the Church and its liberal bishops remained unhealed until William Hague called for renewed co-operation in 1998.

Hubbard is considered to be one of the most liberal bishops in the United States.

Their emphatic approach seemed to take liberal bishops by surprise, leaving them out-organized and out-talked.

Bishop Spong, 56 years old, is one of the most liberal Episcopal bishops.

He has led the diocese since 1977 and is considered one of the few relatively liberal bishops in the country.

The Archbishop's aides say the pact broke down because liberal bishops complained to the Vatican that it made too many concessions.

Foremost among them is Bishop Clark, who is widely regarded as one of the most liberal bishops in the country.

They began work two weeks ago amid bitter internal debate but were able to produce a resolution considered acceptable to many liberal bishops.

Still, Bishop Spong, among the most liberal bishops, expressed a long-term optimism.

Other liberal bishops seemed more ready to admire Bishop Weakland in private than follow his lead in public.