Election of female pastor heightens tensions

Published on Monday 19 June 2006 01:42

THE Episcopalian church in the US yesterday elected the denomination's first female leader, adding to tensions within the Anglican church.

The choice of Katharine Jefferts Schori, 52, as presiding bishop complicates the already difficult relations between the American denomination and its fellow Anglicans. Only two other Anglican provinces - New Zealand and Canada - have female bishops, although a handful of other provinces allow women to serve in the post. Many Anglican leaders believe women should not be priests.

The Nevada-based bishop took the fifth ballot in a 95-93 vote at a meeting in Columbus, Ohio. Delegates have also been debating whether to appease Anglican leaders by agreeing to stop ordaining gay bishops - for now.

George Carey, who served as Archbishop of Canterbury from 1991 to 2002, called Bishop Jefferts Schori "the most liberal of the lot" of candidates. The presiding bishop represents the 2.3 million member US Episcopal Church in meetings with other Anglican leaders and with leaders of other religious groups.

Bishop Jefferts Schori will inherit a fractured Church. The Pittsburgh-based Anglican Communion Network, which represents ten US conservative dioceses and more than 900 parishes within the Episcopal Church, is deciding whether to break from the denomination.