Most Reverend ROWAN WILLIAMS (Archbishop of Canterbury): North American churches have been able to hear very clearly and very directly face to face the challenges that are coming from the majority of the Communion. And in that way, the North American churches have been told very clearly and very directly about the potential cost of the decision that they have taken.

LAWTON: The presiding bishop of the U.S. church, Frank Griswold, was part of this week's meeting. He said discussions and debate will still continue, and he remains hopeful that schism can still be avoided.

Most Reverend FRANK GRISWOLD (Presiding Bishop, U.S. Episcopal Church): I think I would want to make it plain to people of the Episcopal Church of the United States that we have not been thrown out of the Communion -- that specific people, in relationship to one of the bodies of the Communion, have been asked to step aside in order that the case may be made. And my hope and prayer is that we will continue in relationship with all the provinces of the Anglican Communion, and somehow all the differences that exist among us will be brought together in such a way that we can be in mission together for the sake of the world.

LAWTON: This was a pivotal meeting for the future of the Episcopal Church USA. Many American conservatives say they no longer want to be associated with the U.S. Episcopal Church, but they do still want to be part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. They say this week's decision was the disciplinary action they were looking for against the U.S. Episcopal Church.

Reverend Canon DAVID C. ANDERSON (President, American Anglican Council): The fact [is] that they're forced to withdraw, asked to withdraw, and are now in a diminished role, but given time to repent. So the decision is truly theirs. They have to walk with the Communion or walk apart.

LAWTON: Episcopal gay rights activists, meanwhile, have been concerned about any backing off from positions they say were legitimately adopted according to church law. The Archbishop of Canterbury and other Anglican leaders can try to influence U.S. Episcopal church policies, but they have no authority to directly intervene.

The highest Episcopal decision-making body won't meet again until the church's general convention in 2006. I'm Kim Lawton in Northern Ireland.