The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles over the weekend elected openly gay Rev. Canon Mary Glasspool as its assistant bishop, a move that has raised the eyebrows of the church's spiritual leader, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

“That decision will have very important implications,” stated the Welsh Archbishop, Rowan Williams. The American branch of the religion has struggled since 2003 with the election of gay bishops in the United States, a move that had divided some of its followers.

Los Angeles Episcopalian Bishop J. Jon Bruno, said he would fight for the woman's appointment, which much be approved by leaders of the U.S. Episcopalian church. He also pointed out that the congregation works independently of the Archdiocese.

Glasspool would join the recently appointed Rev. Canon Diane Jardine Bruce as the first women bishops in the 114-year history of the Los Angeles diocese — if they're confirmed by the church's nationwide leadership..

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