Praying Left
The Episcopal church elevates the liberal bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.
by Jamie Deal
08/01/2006

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH'S ELECTION of its first female presiding bishop has made a split with the Anglican Communion even more likely. Katharine Jefferts Schori delighted Episcopalians who support gay bishops, same-sex unions, and other liberal social policies. But her victory also confirmed what church conservatives have long feared: The liberal majority is going to keep pushing until the leftward drift of the past few decades is complete.

Jefferts Schori embodies the Episcopal evolution. While bishop of Nevada, she voted for a gay bishop's consecration and allowed same-sex blessings. She was also noted for her political activism. In letters to Nevada politicians, she quoted Scripture and used the power of her office to lobby for liberal policies.

On April 21, 2004, she wrote to Nevada senators Harry Reid and John Ensign on the subject of immigration: "The Bible repeatedly enjoins people of faith to remember the stranger, to care for those without family or roots in a place, and to ensure that they are fed, housed, and shown hospitality." She then chastised the United States for "[forgetting] that mandate, especially since September 11th," because "the fear-mongering of late has eclipsed the demand to treat our neighbors fairly and humanely." the rest-don't miss this!