(RNS) Dissidents in the Episcopal Church formally launched a new “network” Jan. 20 to act as a church-within-a-church for conservatives.

Some 100 conservative leaders from 12 dioceses met at Christ Church in Plano, Texas, to approve a charter for the Network of Anglican Communion Dioceses and Parishes.

Bishop Robert Duncan of Pittsburgh, who was elected the group’s first moderator, said the new network is a “significant and joyful moment” for conservatives who feel besieged in the 2.3 million-member church.

The group’s constitution said the decision to ordain the openly gay V. Gene Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire has caused “immense harm.” The group vowed to maintain a “faithful Anglican witness in submission to the sovereign authority of Holy Scripture.”