The Episcopal Church has approved the election of a lesbian assistant bishop in the Diocese of Los Angeles.
The announcement Wednesday makes the Rev. Mary Glasspool of Baltimore the second openly gay bishop in the Anglican global fellowship.
Los Angeles Bishop Jon Bruno says the approval demonstrates the Episcopal Church does not discriminate based on sexual orientation.
Glasspool was elected last year, but needed the full church's approval to be consecrated in May.
The Episcopal Church, which is the Anglican body in the United States, caused an uproar in 2003 by consecrating the first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire.
Episcopal conservatives have formed a rival church, the Anglican Church in North America.
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