"Conservative Anglicans have condemned a decision to approve the election of another openly gay bishop in the US Episcopal church.Last night it was confirmed that the Rev Mary Glasspool, who has been with her partner, Becki Sander, for 22 years, had received the required number of votes from bishops and standing committees. Her consecration will take place on 15 Mayin Los Angeles.
Glasspool, from Baltimore, welcomed the news but admitted that not everybody would share in her happiness.
'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.'
The archbishop of Sydney said the US church had 'committed itself to a life contrary to scripture' and that the communion had reached 'another decisive moment'.
Her victory underscores a continued Episcopal commitment to accepting same-sex relationships, despite enormous pressure from other Anglicans to change their stand.
The Episcopal church, the Anglican body in the US, caused uproar in 2003 by consecrating the first openly gay bishop in the communion, Gene Robinson. His consecration took place at an ice-hockey stadium in Durham, New Hampshire, and he wore a bulletproof vest under his gold vestments because he had received death threats.
In 2004, Anglican leaders asked Episcopalians for a temporary ban on electing gay bishops as they tried to prevent a permanent schism in the fellowship.
Since the request was made, some gay Episcopal priests have been nominated for bishop, but Glasspool is the first to be elected.
Breakaway conservatives last year formed a rival church, the Anglican Church in North America, and appealed to the archbishop of Canterbury to officially recognise the new entity.
Dr Rowan Williams has yet to comment on this latest development but called for 'gracious restraint' among warring factions when news of her election was announced in December. He said it raised serious questions for the divided church." ...source
