First Openly Lesbian Bishop

Lesbian Rev. Mary Glasspool of Baltimore was elected assistant bishop of the Diocese of Los Angeles on Saturday. She and Bishop Gene Robinson of New Hampshire are now the world Anglican fellowship's only openly gay bishops.

The AP reports: Glasspool "The Episcopal Church is the Anglican body in the United States. The election of Robinson already has deeply fractured the global Anglican Communion. Within the United States, theologically conservative Episcopalians this year formed a rival church, called the Anglican Church in North America. Glasspool lives with a female partner. Her election as assistant bishop must be approved by a majority of national church leaders...When voting ended Friday, the Rev. Mary D. Glasspool of Baltimore, who has a female partner, was drawing a large share of votes. Another gay candidate, the Rev. John L. Kirkley of San Francisco, withdrew late Friday, winnowing the original field of candidates to five."