Anglican head calls new lesbian bishop ‘regrettable’

LONDON — Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams has called the confirmation of a second openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church “regrettable” and said it will have “important implications” for the U.S. church’s role in the wider Anglican Communion.

Despite warnings from Williams, Episcopal bishops and regional committees ratified the election of Pastor Mary Douglas Glasspool, an open lesbian, as an assistant bishop in Los Angeles. The Episcopal Church announced Glasspool’s confirmation March 17.

As Archbishop of Canterbury, Williams is considered “first among equals” among Anglican bishops in the communion, which counts 77 million members worldwide.

Williams had urged Episcopalians not to confirm Glasspool, 56, following her election last December, as he tries to preserve the fragile unity of the Anglican Communion despite its bitter differences on homosexuality. Tensions have increased since the consecration of an openly gay bishop in New Hampshire in 2003.