(New York) The lesbian priest who was elected assistant bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles said Tuesday that she was upset by claims that her role in the church is divisive.
The Rev. Mary Glasspool said that she was aware her win troubles some people, but that she believes her election last weekend was mostly “liberating” for the denomination.
“I’ve had hundreds, probably a thousand, e-mails from people all over the world who don’t know me but who are expressing through the fact of my election a pride in the Episcopal Church,” Glasspool said in a phone interview with The Associated Press.
“I’ve committed my life as a life of service to the people of Jesus Christ, and what hurts is the sense that anybody might have that my name or my servanthood could be perceived as divisive.”
Glasspool is the second openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church and the world Anglican fellowship. The first was New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson, whose 2003 consecration caused an uproar and widened long-developing rifts over what Anglicans should believe.
Just hours after Glasspool’s election, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, the Anglican spiritual leader, said in a statement that the vote raised “very serious questions” for the divided church, and he urged restraint in moving forward with her consecration.Photo
Glasspool needs the consent of a majority of Episcopal dioceses before she can take the job of bishop suffragan. The 55-year-old clergywoman, who has been with her female partner since 1988, said she read the archbishop’s comments on her laptop in her California hotel Sunday and found the statement “a tiny bit absurd” because he doesn’t know her.
“Our Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori does have a personal relationship with the archbishop of Canterbury, and I need to let them work that out,” Glasspool said. Read complete article - By The Associated Press – 365gay.com
Related links:
Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles
L.A. Episcopal diocese's selection of lesbian bishop draws sharp Anglican rebuke - By Duke Helfand and Carla Rivera – The Los Angeles Times
An Inch At A Time: Reflections on the Journey - Rev. Susan Russell
Photo Fraumunster Church, Zurich - History - Zurich - Switzerland - Marc Chagall
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