Lee Elected Bishop of Chicago on Second Ballot

11/10/2007

The Rev. Jeffrey D. Lee, rector, St. Thomas Church, Medina, Wash., since 2000, was elected Bishop of Chicago on the second ballot during the annual convention Nov. 10 in Wheeling.

Needing 129 clergy votes and 179 in the lay order, Fr. Lee received 134 clergy votes and 203 lay. His nearest challenger was the Very Rev. Petero A. N. Sabune, pastor and Protestant chaplain, Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, N.Y. The other candidates were: the Rev. Jane S. Gould, rector, St. Stephen’s Memorial Church, Lynn, Mass., the Rev. Alvin C. Johnson, Jr., rector, St. Michael’s Church, Barrington, Ill., the Rev. Canon Robert K. Koomson, pastor-in-residence at Seabury-Western Theological Seminary, the Very Rev. Tracey Lind, dean, Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland, The Rev. Margaret R. Rose, director of women’s ministries for The Episcopal Church and the Rev. Timothy B. Safford, rector, Christ Church, Philadelphia

The election attracted national interest in part due to the nomination of a partnered lesbian as a candidate. In 2006, General Convention approved a resolution urging standing committees and bishops with jurisdiction to exercise caution before granting consent to candidates whose manner of life might exacerbate tensions within the Anglican Communion.

Fr. Lee is a graduate of Nashotah House seminary. He has twice been a deputy to General Convention. He was ordained deacon in the Diocese of Northern Indiana in 1985. Prior to his current position, he was curate, St. John’s, Elkhart, Ind. 1985-1987; Canon to the Ordinary, Diocese of Northern Indiana, 1987-1991; new church developer, Holy Family, Fishers, Ind. 1991-1994; rector, St. Christopher’s, River Hills, Wis. 1994-2000.

Bishop William Persell of Chicago congratulated Fr. Lee from the convention floor by telephone after the results were announced to delegates. Assuming a majority of bishops and standing committees consent, Fr. Lee will be consecrated Bishop of Chicago Feb. 2 at House of Hope in Chicago.

This article comes from The Living Church Foundation
http://www.livingchurch.org/

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