Diana Butler Bass, popular Christian thinker and author, reflected on the career and legacy of outgoing PB Jefferts Schori for the Washington Post.
Bass notes that Jefferts Schori was elected just after the election of Bishop Gene Robinson, despite opposition from people who were opposed to a person who openly identified as gay serving as a Bishop. Bass sees this as a radical moment where the Church positioned itself in the midst of the debates concerning discrimination against women and LGBTQ rights and discrimination, and played an important role in American society and culture.
From the essay:
In the 21st century, with declining numbers who identify as part of mainline religion, church elections are mostly a matter of inside baseball and of no great consequence to American society. Yet this cannot be fairly said of Jefferts Schori’s tenure as the head of the Episcopal Church. In the last decade, the denomination became a sort of a laboratory in which to observe cultural and religious change.
Bass also notes the discrimination and challenges Jefferts Schori faced, and her refusal to be sidelined or relegated to a minor role, and suggests that her tenure has parallels with the upcoming ministry of Bishop Michael Curry.
Posted by David Streever