LONDON: Traditionalist British Anglicans have defied church leaders in an escalating row over gay clergy by importing a conservative African bishop to ordain three deacons.

The latest step towards schism in the 450-year-old Anglican church coincides with the visit to Britain of openly gay bishop Gene Robinson, whose ordination two years ago in the United States first sparked the crisis.

In a highly symbolic service that deepened divisions between conservatives and liberals, South African Bishop Martin Morrison ordained the three deacons in defiance of their local London prelate, the Bishop of Southwark.

''I very much regret this action, which might have serious consequences,'' Southwark bishop Tom Butler said after the unauthorised ordination that was backed by the traditionalist Reform movement.

''There is every sign of schism in the church at the moment and it has been precipitated by events in America. Instead of being firm in disciplining those who are causing divisions, we appear to be anxious to welcome them,'' he added.

Chris Sugden, a spokesman for the Anglican Mainstream group which argues that liberals are defying biblical guidelines, said: ''It is a chasm: there are two religions.'' ''But we will not leave. We will do everything we can to ensure that the traditionalist teachings of the Anglican church are passed on.'' Two years of growing differences were sparked by Robinson's ordination in New Hampshire and the blessing of same sex marriages in Canada.

At a meeting in Cairo last month, conservative Anglicans warned the U.S. and Canadian churches that their liberal actions over gay rights were tearing apart the church.

In some of the strongest language they have used so far in the increasingly acrimonious dispute, the traditionalists said they saw no evidence of the North Americans showing ''repentance.'' After what were described as ''friendly but candid'' talks with Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams Yesterday, Robinson said he was not ashamed of his sexual orientation.

''It is not something of which I should repent and I have no intention of doing so. I have been led to understand that I am loved by God just as I am,'' he told the Guardian after meeting the spiritual leader of the world's 77 million Anglicans.

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