LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- The bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Kentucky apologized to gay and lesbian church members after he voted last year not to consent to more ordinations of homosexual bishops.

In his annual report to the diocese’s convention Saturday, Bishop Ted Gulick said he’s trying to keep the Episcoplan Church together and to maintain ties with other churches overseas amid controversies over homosexuality, The Courier-Journal reported.

“I hereby publicly and deliberately apologize to our devoted gay and lesbian men and woman in our diocese for whom this (latest) vote causes pain and alienation,” Gulick said.

Gulick generally supports greater church roles for homosexuals.  In 2004, he apologized to conservatives upset over his vote the previous year for the appointment of an openly gay bishop of New Hampshire, V. Gene Robinson.

But last year he voted with other bishops at the Episcopal Church’s General Convention not to support further ordinations of homosexual bishops.

“I know you to be my sisters and brothers in Christ,” Gulick said, urging them to continue serving in the church in other ways.  “I thank you for your patience and forbearance with the church in this season.”

Last week, leaders of the Anglican Communion—the Episcopal Church’s global partners—issued a stern warning to the American church at a summit in Tanzania. Among other things, Anglican leaders sought greater clarity on the Episcopal Church’s stances on homosexual bishops and same-sex unions. A meeting of American bishops is set for next month. Gulick plans to attend.

The diocese—which includes 36 congregations in Louisville and central and western Kentucky—wrapped up its two-day annual meeting Saturday at Epiphany Catholic Church.

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Information from: The Courier-Journal, http://www.courier-journal.com