The Nation : Dallas Panel Won’t OK Woman Bishop

The standing committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Dallas refused to affirm the ordination of the first woman in the denomination elected bishop, citing her inexperience and lack of training. The Rev. Barbara C. Harris of Philadelphia was elected as suffragan bishop of Massachusetts in September--the first woman bishop among the world’s 70 million Anglican Christians. The Dallas committee is one of 118 diocesan bishops and their standing committees of clergy and lay members across the nation that must approve Harris’ election by a majority vote. The head of the Dallas committee, the Rev. C. V. Westapher, said the group voted 3 to 2 Friday not to affirm with one abstention. No Episcopal bishop has been denied ordination.