First Lesbian Bishop

The first ever openly gay female bishop has achieved the first hurdle in her bid for consecration, after winning a majority of “yes” votes by America’s Anglican church. An unofficial tally shows that Mary Glasspool, the assistant bishop-elect of Los Angeles, received more than the required majority of consents to her confirmation, despite concerns that other dioceses would object to her on the grounds of sexual orientation. Los Angeles Bishop Diocesan J Jon Bruno told the Episocal News Service: “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.” Reverend Glasspool has already been granted 61 consents, having needed just 56 to be confirmed, although presiding bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori is yet to verify the count. She is expected to be consecrated on May 15th, in a move which will make her only the second openly gay bishop to be confirmed, after Bishop of New Hampshire Gene Robinson in 2003, and the first lesbian bishop.