And a woman shall lead them

Re “Episcopal Church Elects Its First Female Leader,” June 19

Thirty years ago, the Episcopal Church began ordaining women as priests and then, in time, as bishops. Isn’t it interesting that the primarily male House of Bishops would vote Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori to lead them during this difficult time? Why is this a problem? It wasn’t for them. Jefferts Schori says it’s time to move beyond the issue of homosexuality to the real work -- that of ministry. I couldn’t agree more.

CAROL GAINOR REZNICHEK

Hermosa Beach

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At one time, the Episcopal Church, as part of the worldwide Anglican Communion, was in the forefront of social action and would have received media attention at its recent convention with a strong condemnation of the Iraq war or other major issues with theological consequences. But from the looks of what came out of the gathering in Columbus, Ohio, the leaders and clergy of the once prominent spiritual body are mired in obscure sexual politics focusing on gay marriage and the election of Jefferts Schori as the first woman presiding bishop.

Perhaps it’s time the church leaders ask whom or what they are representing -- a rather dated 1970s feminist agenda or the declining membership in the pews? The once prominent Episcopal Church could end up as redundant as its founding organization, the Church of England.

MICHAEL L. GRACE

Palm Springs