DIOCESE OF LOS ANGELES TAKES ANOTHER STEP FORWARD FOR INCLUSIVE ANGLICANISM

Integrity USA

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August 2, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Integrity rejoices at the Diocese of Los Angeles' diverse slate of qualified candidates for the December 2009 election of two new bishops suffragan.

"Coming so soon after the slate announced by the Diocese of Minnesota," said Integrity President Susan Russell, "today's announcement by the Diocese of Los Angeles is another sign that the 'season of fasting' at the expense of the vocations of gays and lesbians in the Episcopal Church is at an end."

"Just a few days ago we celebrated the 35th anniversary of the ordination of the first women to the priesthood in The Episcopal Church," said Russell. "Thirty five years ago it was hard to imagine that we would come to a place where the inclusion of gifted women on a slate of candidates for bishop would become the expected rather than the exception. And we believe that we are journeying to a place where the same will be true for gay and lesbian candidates."

"It is now up to the Diocese of Los Angeles to discern--together with the Holy Spirit--which of these excellent candidates will make the best bishops to lead them forward in mission and ministry. Integrity's hope is that in both Los Angeles and in Minnesota the work of discernment can proceed without outside interference and with the focus where it should be: on finding the bishop best suited to pastor the people and to proclaim the Good News of God in Christ Jesus to the church and to the world."

PRESS CONTACT

(The Reverend) Susan Russell, President
president@integrityusa.org
714-356-5718 (mobile)

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