COLUMBUS, Miss. Ã¢â‚¬â€ Citing a conflict in vows, the Rev. Sandra DePriest became the first Mississippi Episcopal priest to step down to protest the ordination of the denominations first openly homosexual bishop.

The Associated Press reported that DePriest said she could no longer actively serve as a priest until the issue is resolved. She told the Commercial Dispatch she is one of those opposed to the Rev. V. Eugene Robinson's consecration as bishop in New Hampshire, and her stance on the issue means she can no longer lead worship.

"I believe that my vows have been placed in conflict," DePriest said. "I took vows to uphold Scripture when I was ordained … and at the same time I took vows to uphold the doctrine and discipline of the Episcopal Church of the United States. And I cannot teach those doctrines and disciplines."

DePriest, who led Church of the Good Shepherd in Columbus and St. John's Episcopal Church in Aberdeen, said she was not resigning her vows for the time being but could no longer actively serve as a priest.

She is among many in the denomination who believe in a traditional interpretation of the Bible and who want Robinson removed as bishop, the news service reported. DePriest said these Episcopalians consider homosexuality a sin that must be repented of Ã¢â‚¬â€ a belief completely at odds with Robinson's openly homosexual lifestyle.