"I am struck by the work of reflection, discernment and the decisions you have made," the pope wrote in the letter dated Aug. 5 and posted on the website of the Chilean bishops' conference.

The recent Revoice conference was unique in its approach to L.G.B.T. issues within the Christian community.

Bishop Edward Scharfenberger said, “we have reached a point where bishops alone investigating bishops is not the answer.”

On July 5, the Nicaraguan police, with masked and armed paramilitary support, attacked Sutiaba. The "clean-up operation," as the government called it, resulted in three dead among the parishioners of Father Morales' St. Peter Church.

“We're supposed to show the face of Christ to people, but how can you do that if you take off when the going gets tough?” asked Dr. Tom Catena, a 54-year old physician from Amsterdam, New York.

"I continue to be deeply concerned about the victims and the ongoing pain and suffering they endure," Bishop Zubik said in the letter, read at all Masses.