Bishops in the Church of Ireland convened this week for crisis talks on the rift over human sexuality.

The talks come weeks after a senior minister prompted outcry after confirming that he had entered into a civil partnership in July.

The Dean of Leighlin Cathedral, the Very Rev Tom Gordon, was the first Anglican clergyman in Ireland to enter into a civil partnership.

Although the Church of Ireland has no official stance on homosexuality, the dean’s civil partnership has hurt conservative members of the Church, who issued a joint statement warning of a split.

The Archbishop of Armagh the Most Rev Alan Harper led bishops in three days of prayer and reflection on disagreements within the Church on the issue of human sexuality.

In a joint statement, they acknowledged the present tension was a “cause of distress” to many.

“Our discussions were frank and careful and, at times, painful,” they said.

“We committed ourselves to listen carefully to one another and speak openly about our differences within the context of a variety of reactions within the Church.

“Strengthened by our honest interchange of views, we corporately agreed a way forward.”

Part of the way forward includes a major conference being planned for spring 2012, which will bring together General Synod members to share their views on human sexuality.

A pastoral letter is to be issued to clergy in the coming days outlining the conclusions of this week’s meeting.

The bishops added: “We commit ourselves to work together on these issues. In addition, we envisage that further study and research on biblical, theological and legal issues will be required.”