Today the Episcopal Church announced that it will consecrate its second non-celibate gay bishop this May. Mary Glasspool was elected bishop on December 5 but was waiting for a majority of the diocesan bishops and “standing committees” in the jurisdiction to approve her consecration.

To approve a bishop’s consecration, a majority of the standing committees must agree that the candidate is “of such sufficiency in learning, of such soundness in the Faith, and of such godly character as to be able to exercise the Office of a Bishop to the honor of God and the edifying of the Church, and to be a wholesome example to the flock of Christ.” The majority agrees, so the Church will move ahead with consecrating Glasspool as bishop in the Los Angeles area.

The American Anglican Council responded to the news with the following strongly worded statement from Bishop David C. Anderson, president and CEO:

“What this means is the majority of The Episcopal Church’s leaders – down to the diocesan level throughout America – are exercising no restraint as requested by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the primates of the Anglican Communion. Despite pleas to the contrary, they have given their consent for a partnered lesbian to become a bishop, not just for Los Angeles, but for the whole church. Unfortunately, this comes as no surprise because The Episcopal Church, at its General Convention this summer, voted in favor of allowing dioceses to determine whether they will conduct same sex blessings using whatever rites they deem appropriate. Even if The Episcopal Church should eventually decide to sign an Anglican Covenant, it has shown time and time again that it will not abide by traditional Christian and Anglican Communion teaching on marriage and sexuality.”