Glasspool Approved as 2nd Gay Bishop

The Episcopal Church has approved the appointment of the Reverend Mary Glasspool, a canon from Baltimore, to be an assistant bishop in the diocese of Los Angeles.

Church officials approved Glasspool's appointment Wednesday, the Associated Press reports. Glasspool and the Reverend Diane M. Jardine Bruce were elected by the L.A. diocese in December to serve as assistant bishops, but the decision had to be confirmed by bishops and standing committees from a majority of the church's dioceses.

The move makes Glasspool the second gay bishop in the Episcopal Church, after the Reverend V. Gene Robinson, who was elected as New Hampshire's bishop in 2003. That election caused a schism between pro-gay and antigay churches, resulting in the more conservative Anglican Church of North America breaking away from the mainline church.

"I am ... aware that not everyone rejoices in this election and consent, and will work, pray and continue to extend my own hands and heart to bridge those gaps, and strengthen the bonds of affection among all people, in the name of Jesus Christ," Glasspool said in a written statement.

Glasspool and Bruce are both scheduled to be consecrated May 15.