CURRY WINS IN ALABAMA !!!
The Diocese of Alabama has elected its first female bishop. This afternoon the election convention gave the Rev. Dr. Glenda Curry majority approval on the second ballot: 77 of 141 clergy and 127 of 250 laity.
With this, the Episcopalians of Alabama make a bold statement in favor of human rights and social justice. In fact, they chose the right thing over the convenient thing. Under mandatory retirement in the canons, Curry will have only six years to serve as bishop. That means the diocese will have to start the arduous two year process of finding a new bishop in just four years or so. To the majority of church people, electing Curry was more important than their own convenience. I am lost in admiration for the people who set aside concern for themselves in order to do this. I cannot help but think how proud the great Alabamians of the past who fought for freedom, equality, and justice would be today. Julia Tutwiler comes to mind first. How thrilled she must be.
I must say too how impressed I was in the selection of the new bishop at the un-importance of partisanship in the diocese. This tells me most of the communicants of the diocese of Alabama are as firmly committed as ever to the mainstream of the Episcopal Church. Division and dissension faded into the background today.
And so, the Episcopal Church in Alabama moves boldly forward committed to human rights and to the national church. For one who has spent a long time studying and writing about schism, I can assure you this is a very welcomed relief. This is a great day for Alabama. This is a great day for the Episcopal Church.
With this, the Episcopalians of Alabama make a bold statement in favor of human rights and social justice. In fact, they chose the right thing over the convenient thing. Under mandatory retirement in the canons, Curry will have only six years to serve as bishop. That means the diocese will have to start the arduous two year process of finding a new bishop in just four years or so. To the majority of church people, electing Curry was more important than their own convenience. I am lost in admiration for the people who set aside concern for themselves in order to do this. I cannot help but think how proud the great Alabamians of the past who fought for freedom, equality, and justice would be today. Julia Tutwiler comes to mind first. How thrilled she must be.
I must say too how impressed I was in the selection of the new bishop at the un-importance of partisanship in the diocese. This tells me most of the communicants of the diocese of Alabama are as firmly committed as ever to the mainstream of the Episcopal Church. Division and dissension faded into the background today.
And so, the Episcopal Church in Alabama moves boldly forward committed to human rights and to the national church. For one who has spent a long time studying and writing about schism, I can assure you this is a very welcomed relief. This is a great day for Alabama. This is a great day for the Episcopal Church.
