Episcopal Bishop Robert Duncan of Pittsburgh leads a prayer at a meeting of the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes in Plano, Texas. An Episcopal committee says the conservative Pittsburgh bishop has "abandoned the communion of this church," a potential first step toward stripping away his religious authority.

PITTSBURGH — An Episcopal committee says that conservative Pittsburgh Bishop Robert Duncan has "abandoned the communion of this church" — a potential first step toward stripping him of religious authority.

The committee blocked the national Episcopal Church from imposing the penalty of "inhibition," which would have barred him from performing religious duties. But the Episcopal House of Bishops is expected to consider imposing the punishment near the end of this year.

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, who notified Duncan on Tuesday that he had abandoned the communion, told Duncan that she sought permission to inhibit him.

"I would, however, welcome a statement by you within the next two months providing evidence that you once more consider yourself fully subject to the doctrine, discipline and worship of this Church," Jefferts Schori wrote to Duncan.

In a statement, Duncan said he has been "loyal to the doctrine, discipline and worship of The Episcopal Church."

"I will continue to serve and minister as the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh," he said.

The 11-county Pittsburgh diocese and Duncan are among the more vocal conservatives who believe that the Episcopal Church, the Anglican body in the U.S., is abandoning the authority of Scripture and traditional teachings on truth, salvation and homosexuality. In 2003, the Episcopal Church consecrated the first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire.

A majority of the 77 million-member Anglican Communion believes the Bible bars gay relationships, while a majority in the Episcopal Church does not.

"The charge essentially is that he has effectively left the church — which he wants to do," said Lionel Deimel, a board member of Progressive Episcopalians of Pittsburgh.

The group said it hopes the church's canonical procedures will clarify issues in the Pittsburgh diocese.

"Whether he can resume his role in The Episcopal Church or must relinquish it, we pray that he finds a way to serve Christ's Church in peace and good conscience," said the Rev. Diane Shepard, the group's first vice president.

About 60 of the more than 7,000 Episcopal parishes have either split from the national church or suffered serious membership losses.