NEW YORK, March 18 (UPI) -- Episcopalian bishops and dioceses have approved the election of the church's second openly gay bishop, clearing the way for her consecration in Los Angeles.
The Rev. Mary D. Glasspool is one of two women elected at a diocese convention in December. Bother are to be consecrated May 15 as assistant bishops in Los Angeles, The New York Times reported Tuesday.
The decision by bishops and dioceses to approve her election is expected to intensify a debate within the Anglican Communion on homosexuality and its place in the church, the newspaper said.
The issue has divided the church since American Episcopalians elected the openly gay V. Gene Robinson as a bishop in New Hampshire in 2003.
Glasspool, 56, told the Times she feels "overjoyed" to have been approved.
"While I understand that not everyone rejoices, I don't understand what will functionally be different tomorrow than today with respect to our relationships around the world," she said.
Glasspool's father was an Episcopal priest who served for 35 years at St. James Church in Goshen, N.Y.
