(RNS) A majority of dioceses in the Episcopal Church have confirmed the election of an open lesbian as a bishop in Los Angeles, bringing Bishop-elect Mary Glasspool one step closer to consecration.
The Diocese of Los Angeles, where Glasspool was elected as an assistant bishop last December, announced confirmations from 61 of the denomination’s 110 dioceses on Wednesday (March 10).
A majority of diocesan bishops, however, must also consent to Glasspool’s election before she can be consecrated a bishop. Episcopal Church headquarters in New York keeps the bishops’ tally, but generally does not release it until the outcome is sealed.
“I look forward to the final few consents to come in from the bishops in the next few days, and I give thanks for the fact that we as a church have taken a bold step for just action,” said Los Angeles Bishop Jon Bruno.
Glasspool has until May 8 to receive the necessary votes from bishops. If her election is confirmed, she would be only the second openly gay person to be elected a bishop in the U.S. church or the wider Anglican Communion.
Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the spiritual leader of the Anglican Communion, said last year that Glasspool’s election “raises very serious questions” and urged Episcopal bishops to reject it. A majority of Anglicans in the 77-million-member communion reject homosexuality as unbiblical and the election of an openly gay priest as bishop of New Hampshire in 2003 has caused widespread dissent.
– Daniel Burke
Copyright 2010 Religion News Service. All rights reserved. No part of this transmission may be distributed or reproduced without written permission.
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posted March 10, 2010 at 6:45 pm
One more step in the right direction. Progress for ALL women!
posted March 10, 2010 at 11:46 pm
It’s totally about homosexuality, not God.
posted March 11, 2010 at 12:49 am
Maybe it’s about getting a good person for the job.
posted March 11, 2010 at 5:23 am
ckunck-
The Episcopal Church has no requirement that a bishop be homosexual. In fact more than 95% of bishops and assist bishops are heterosexual. Sexuality is not even amongst the questions asked to determine whether or not a candidate is qualified.
Not even public option is taken into consideration. It really is about finding the most qualified candidate.
As a reminder, the people of a diocese elect a bishop/assistant bishop. Then, the majority of other dioceses must confirm the election. Then, the majority of bishops must confirm the election.
Our leadership is not something we take lightly.
Peace!
posted March 11, 2010 at 9:26 am
ck
I think you have it completely backward. This is all about serving God and has nothing to do with her personal affections.
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posted March 11, 2010 at 12:53 pm
jest I don’t think I have it wrong, the church has lost sight of God thus it’s decline. It’s just a bad choice when you make a Gene Robinson who has children with a woman he calls wife and the leaves the family divorces the mother of his children to be with a man.
posted March 11, 2010 at 1:31 pm
Would it be better if it were a woman?
At least Robinson has an excuse for leaving.
posted March 13, 2010 at 5:51 pm
for a bishop, no!
posted March 17, 2010 at 12:27 pm
I’m glad to see the Episcopal Church resisting political pressures from the Anglican Communion. The Archbishop, it’s important to note, was for gay ordination before he was against it–before he became the Archbishop, that is.
posted March 17, 2010 at 3:40 pm
“Today the Episcopal Church said ‘Amen’ to what the Holy Spirit did in Los Angeles in December when we elected Mary Glasspool. I’ve never been prouder to be an Episcopalian or a daughter of the Diocese of Los Angeles–where we are ready to turn this election into an opportunity for evangelism.”
The Reverend Canon Susan Russell, chair of the Diocese of Los Angeles Program Group on LGBT Ministry
posted March 17, 2010 at 4:02 pm
As an Episcopal Priest, I rejoice that without hesitation, our denomination takes our Baptismal Covenant seriously. Mother Glasspool will be one great Bishop. The Diocese of LA is lucky and blessed to get her! I know it might be Lent, but ALLELUIA!!!!
posted March 17, 2010 at 4:28 pm
As a cradle Episcopalian, I’m not used to hollering in a church setting – but this makes me want to throw my arms in the air and shout, “Amen! Hallelujah!”
It’s great to see that the majority of TEC takes their Baptismal Vows, and their faith, seriously!
posted March 18, 2010 at 4:39 am
I know a certain man from Nazareth would approve mightily of this decision!