ECUSA Diocese Elects First Indigenous Woman Bishop

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(ENS)--The Episcopal diocese of Southern Virginia has elected the first female bishop in its history--and the first indigenous woman bishop anywhere in the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Carol J. Gallagher was elected suffragan bishop to assist Bishop David C. Bane, Jr.

Her primary duties will be to provide pastoral care for clergy families and to work with small congregations. Bishop-elect Gallagher, 45, is a member of the Cherokee Nation.

She has been an Episcopal priest for 11 years and is currently rector of St. Anne's Church in Middletown, Del., where she has served since 1996.

She has been active in the Episcopal church at the national level, serving …