A Second LGBT Bishop for the United States

by Michael Jones · 2010-03-18 08:15:00 UTC
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Episcopal ChurchWhen Bishop Gene Robinson was consecrated as an Episcopalian Bishop in 2003 in New Hampshire, he had to wear a bullet proof vest under his vestments because he received so many death threats. His election as Bishop sent off a tremor through the worldwide Anglican community, causing the Episcopalian Church to place a moratorium on electing LGBT bishops that lasted for years.

Last year, that moratorium was lifted. And months later, a lesbian clergy member from Maryland was nominated to be a bishop in the Episcopalian Diocese of Los Angeles. Her name is Rev. Mary Glasspool.

But now you can call her Bishop, as last night Rev. Glasspool received the required number of votes necessary in order to be consecrated. The date has been set for May 15, which means that come the Ides of May, the U.S. Episcopalian Church will be welcoming their second openly LGBT bishop, and the first openly lesbian bishop.

Rev. Glasspool herself was elated, though she noted that not everyone within the Church would be ecstatic that Episcopalians moved to ordain a second openly LGBT bishop.

"Not everyone rejoices in this election and consent, and [I] will work, pray, and continue to extend my own hands and heart to bridge those gaps, and strengthen the bonds of affection among all people," said Rev. Glasspool.

Talk about a dignified reaction. While opponents of LGBT clergy yell and moan and threaten to leave their Church, Rev. Glasspool offers an olive branch to move hearts and minds. Now that's called pastoral.

Rev. Glasspool will be joined by another elected bishop, Rev. Diane M. Jardine Bruce. Both become the first elected women bishops in Los Angeles. Three cheers for breaking two glass ceilings!

Photo credit: miraclebaby

Michael Jones is a Change.org Editor. He has worked in the field of human rights communications for a decade, most recently for Harvard Law School.
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