Episcopal Diocese of California Averts Crisis By Electing Heterosexual as Bishop

The AP reported today that:

SAN FRANCISCO - The Episcopal Diocese of California averted another churchwide showdown over the role of gays in their denomination when delegates rejected three openly homosexual candidates Saturday.

The diocese instead chose the Rt. Rev. Mark Handley Andrus of Birmingham, Ala. on the third ballot. Andrus, who was chosen to replace the retiring Rev. William Swing, is married and the father of two college-age daughters.

The packed Grace Cathedral erupted was closely watched by Episcopalians around the country and their fellow Anglicans worldwide, who have been struggling to remain unified despite deep differences over homosexuality
The 77 million-member Anglican Communion, represented in the United States by the Episcopal Church, is still reeling from the 2003 election of the first openly gay Episcopal bishop -- V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire.

Despite pleas for patience from church leaders, some observers said Californians would elect a second gay bishop to force the church to resolve its position on gay clergy.

The complete story may be found here:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11072384/from/RSS/