Readings:
Isaiah 58:6-12
Psalm 33:18-22
Philippians 4:1-9
Luke 18:1-8Preface of Apostles and Ordinations
PRAYER (traditional language)
God of the prophets, we give thee thanks for calling Barbara Clementine Harris to the office of bishop. Open our eyes to behold the wondrous works thou hast prepared for thy church in calling women to share in the ministry of the episcopate. May we, inspired by their example as faithful shepherds, wise teachers, courageous prophets, and guardians of the faith, proclaim the Good News and carry out the works of Jesus Christ in the world; who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth for ever and ever. Amen.
PRAYER (contemporary language)
God of the prophets, we give you thanks for calling Barbara Clementine Harris to the office of bishop. Open our eyes to behold the wondrous works you have prepared for your church in calling women to share in the ministry of the episcopate. May we, inspired by their example as faithful shepherds, wise teachers, courageous prophets, and guardians of the faith, proclaim the Good News and carry out the works of Jesus Christ in the world; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns for ever and ever. Amen.
Lessons revised at General Convention 2024.
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CONSECRATION OF BARBARA CLEMENTINE HARRIS
(11 FEB 1989)
Barbara C. Harris, born in Philadelphia, June 12, 1930, was elected bishop suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, on September 24, 1988, at a special convention of diocesan delegates. Her election was controversial, in part because she was divorced and had not attended seminary, but mainly because she was the first woman to be elected to the position of bishop not only in the Episcopal Church, but in all of the Anglican Communion. Some members of the church felt it was inappropriate to elevate a woman to the position of bishop, and others were concerned that her election would strain relations with the wider Anglican Communion. Nevertheless, Harris had many supporters and her election was successful.
Harris was consecrated on February 11, 1989. Eight thousand people attended the service, which was held at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Sixty bishops participated in the laying on of hands. There were 1,200 dignitaries and clergy in the opening procession, and four choirs participating in the service. The service was televised live and lasted three hours.
As the first woman ordained as a bishop, and as an African American, she received death threats and obscene messages. A contingent of the Boston police were assigned to her consecration.
Speaking of her work as bishop, Harris said, "I certainly don't want to be one of the boys. I want to offer my peculiar gifts as a black woman ... a sensitivity and an awareness that comes out of more than a passing acquaintance with oppression."
Harris served for 13 years as suffragan bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts, a large diocese with 98,000 members. She retired in 2003 and then served as assisting bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington until 2007. She was also the president of the Episcopal Church Publishing Company, publishers of The Witness magazine.
More at Wikipedia
[Your correspondent, along with his clergy wife and toddler son, was priviledged to be present at Barbara's consecration, and, as a member of Diocesan Council, to work with her early on in her role as suffragan bishop.]