Episcopal bishop elect nears confirmation

Reverend Canon Mary Douglas Glasspool, the Episcopal priest who was elected an assistant bishop of the Los Angeles diocese in December, has received more than half the necessary votes from church leaders to be consecrated as the denomination's second openly gay bishop.

Glasspool's election is subject to a 120-day consent process that began in January, according to the Christian Post. She has received 29 votes thus far and needs a total of 56 to become bishop.

"Throughout her 30 years of ordained ministry, the Rev. Mary Glasspool has been faithful and consistent to the ministry, doctrine and teaching of the Episcopal Church," Bishop Nathan Baxter of the Episcopal Diocese of Central Pennsylvania wrote in a pastoral letter of support. "On the matter of her sexuality and [lifestyle], the Rev. Glasspool is faithful to the spirit and prayerfully determined direction of our church."

In 2003, V. Gene Robinson was elected to become the Episcopal bishop of New Hampshire, taking office in 2004 as the first openly gay bishop in the church.

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