For Immediate Release

Church Finds Hope In Election Of Lesbian Bishop

St Matthew-in-the-City rejoices in the elections of Mary Glasspool and Diane Bruce, bishops-elect of the Diocese of Los Angeles on their historic election. Archdeacon Glynn Cardy points out that “Not only did they elect two outstanding and deeply spiritual people, they elected for the first time two women. Not only did they elect two women, but one of them, Mary, is in a long-term same-sex relationship. The barriers of exclusion have been pushed aside in Los Angeles.”

While many in the Anglican Communion, such as the Archbishop of Canterbury, have expressed concern about this election and others, such as bishops in Uganda, are issuing condemnations and threats towards gays and lesbians, Associate Priest Clay Nelson sees “this election as a sign of hope congruent with the Advent season. We rejoice in the affirmation this election gives to women and the gay and lesbian communities.”

Glynn Cardy laments that “For too long Christians have used antiquated pieces of Holy Scripture to condemn minorities. For too long Christian leaders, like Rowan Williams, have used the excuse of maintaining unity to say nothing and do nothing to address prejudice and inequity. For too long the Church has stood idly by as gay, lesbian, transgender and bisexual people have been excluded, ridiculed, beaten, and murdered. This must change.”

Thank God that in Los Angeles it is changing. No longer is the Church restricting God to the choice of heterosexual men to be leaders. No longer is the Church curtailing its message and practice to fit with the expectations of the most conservative. No longer is the policy of ‘what causes the least offense’ directing and stifling the vision of the Church. For this we give heartfelt thanks.

ENDS

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