Black History Is American History: Celebrating Bishop Barbara Harris | All Saints Episcopal Church

"I would like to see the church come to some better understanding of what it means to be an inclusive fellowship, how to more fully exhibit the love of Christ in the world." Bishop Barbara Harris

As we highlight the stories of Black Americans who have impacted American life and culture, and who share a connection with the Episcopal Church, this week we remember the life and ministry of Bishop Barbara Harris. Bishop Harris became the first female bishop in the Episcopal Church in 1988 as Bishop Suffragan of Massachusetts. Her election was controversial, causing some priests to break ties with the Church. Despite the challenges, she was determined not to let the controversy interfere with her ministry as bishop.

In her life, Bishop Harris urged and worked for the integration of historically segregated parishes. She was an early member of the Union of Black Episcopalians, founded in 1968. She called for greater numbers of women in the clergy and helped widen the door for them. In 2003 she supported the election of Bishop V. Gene Robinson, the first openly gay bishop in the church. She also participated in historic events, marching with Dr. Martin Luther King from Selma to Montgomery and serving as crucifer at the ordination of the "Philadelphia 11," the first women ordained in the Episcopal Church. Bishop Harris died at the age of 89 on March 13, 2020 and is remembered with deep appreciation. You can read more about Bishop Harris in her memoir Hallelujah, Anyhow!

Sources

https://episcopalarchives.org/church-awakens/exhibits/show/leadership/clergy/harris

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/us/barbara-harris-dead.html

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