Three "perceptions" have emerged from the informal discussions and these are "impeachment, if there is adequate evidence, status quo or resignation," said Caloocan prelate Deogracias Iniguez, chair of the communications commission of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.

The CBCP is expected to come up with what a Church spokesperson said would be "a unified stand" on the political controversy when the bishops hold their plenary meeting in Manila on July 9-10 after a four-day retreat.

Comprising 81 active and 24 retired bishops, the CBCP is holding its annual session to elect a new set of officers.

"The public (wants to know) the mind of the bishops," Iniguez said.

Iniguez cautioned against suggestions that the Church was divided on what position to take on Arroyo's admission that she called an election official -- widely presumed to be former Election Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano -- regarding protecting her votes.

"Just different perceptions," Iniguez said.

But even with their differing perceptions, Iniguez said most bishops believed the truth about the wiretapped conversations between Arroyo and Garcillano "must be ferreted out in a legal forum."

Peachy Yamsuan, communication officer of the Manila archdiocese, said the bishops wanted "to set a moral tone to the controversy."

"It's not going to be easy. It's not going to be a cut and dried decision," Yamsuan told the Inquirer.

She said Church consultations would include an assembly at the University of Sto. Tomas on Wednesday to be attended by former President Cory Aquino, and another assembly by the Catholic Educators Association of the Philippines (CEAP) on the same day.

The CEAP membership includes about 100 Catholic schools nationwide.

Yamsuan said she expected the controversy facing Arroyo to be discussed in the CBCP meeting.