First Openly Lesbian Bishop Appointed in Southern U.S.
An Episcopal diocese has made a historic appointment, bringing on Pastor Sarah Fisher, who is thought to be the first openly lesbian bishop in the southern United States. Fisher is married to Pastor Mandy Brady, as reported by the Christian Post on May 28.
A representative from the church indicated that Fisher is likely the first openly lesbian Anglican bishop in a southern-based diocese.
On May 26, the Episcopal News Service announced that the Diocese of East Carolina ordained Fisher at the Riverfront Convention Center in New Bern, North Carolina. In her letter to the diocese and supporters, she expressed, “My friends, as we stand together on the precipice of this new adventure, may we hold fast to the promise that the power of God at work within us can do infinitely more than we can ask or imagine. With a heart of gratitude and contentment, I look forward to seeing where it takes us.”
Fisher described herself as a “pilgrim follower of the Risen Christ” and has a passion for helping congregations grow. She believes that “God’s love is irresistible and the embodiment of love always gets the last and best word.”
According to a section on the Episcopal Church’s website about the LGBTQ+ community, church leaders have engaged in prayer and study, stating they’ve witnessed “evidence of God’s blessings in the lives and love of our LGBTQ+ brothers in Christ.”
As the church approaches the 50th anniversary of its founding, it reflects on its journey toward affirming LGBTQ+ individuals’ rights to love, acceptance, and pastoral care, acknowledging past struggles while celebrating victories along the way.
It’s worth noting that in 2022, the Episcopal Church passed a resolution supporting gender reassignment efforts for individuals of all ages. This resolution aims to ensure that all Anglican members can access gender-affirming care without restrictions on their autonomy and timing.
Gender-affirming care, as described by the Anglican Church, may include medical interventions such as puberty blockers, hormone replacement therapy, and surgeries that alter physical traits.
