DALLAS – The leader of the U.S. Episcopal Church says her denomination should respond with "prayer and discernment" to the recent election of a lesbian priest as an assistant bishop of the Los Angeles diocese.

Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori spoke during a news conference in Dallas on Saturday.

She says the election "process isn't finished until it's finished."

Special: Get Sarah Palin’s New Book – Incredible FREE Offer – Click Here Now.  

Schori says the Rev. Mary Glasspool of Baltimore still needs approval from a majority of Episcopal dioceses before she can be consecrated, and that could take several months.

In 2004, Anglican Communion leaders asked the Episcopal Church, its U.S. branch, for a moratorium on electing another gay bishop while they try to head off a permanent break in the fellowship.