VATICAN CITY — The Vatican is watering down a ground-breaking overture to gays – but only if they speak English.

After a draft report by bishops debating family issues came under criticism from many conservative English-speaking bishops, the Vatican released a new English translation on Thursday.

A section initially entitled “Welcoming homosexuals” is now “Providing for homosexual persons,” and the tone of the text is significantly colder.

The initial English version – released Monday along with the original – accurately reflected the Italian version in both letter and spirit, and contained a remarkable tone of acceptance to gays.

The other translations were similarly faithful to the Italian and didn’t deviate in tone.

Conservatives were outraged, and the English was changed.

The first English version asked if the church was capable of “welcoming these people, guaranteeing to them a fraternal space in our communities.” The new version asks if the church is “capable of providing for these people, guaranteeing … them … a place of fellowship in our communities.”

The first version said homosexual unions can often constitute a “precious support in the life of the partners.” The new one says gay unions often constitute “valuable support in the life of these persons.”

Other changes were made in other sections of the text, but without significantly altering the meaning or tone.