THE gay United States Episcopal bishop at the centre of the Anglican church's global battle over homosexuality has entered into a civil union with his long-term partner at a private ceremony.

About 120 guests gathered at St Paul's Church in New Hampshire at the weekend as Bishop Gene Robinson and his partner of more than 19 years, Mark Andrews, tied the knot.

The event was kept private out of respect for next month's worldwide Anglican conference, Bishop Robinson's spokesman, Mike Barwell, said.

"It was absolutely joyful," Mr Barwell said. "A lot of his supporters and friends were there, including many members of the gay and lesbian community."

However Bishop Robinson remains excluded from the conference. In a letter to the head of the Anglican Communion, the Standing Committee and Diocesan Council of New Hampshire has condemned the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, for excluding their bishop from this year's Lambeth conference. It urged him to reconsider his decision to prohibit the gay cleric from participating in the 10-yearly gathering of the world's Anglican bishops.