This was written by Louie Crew Clay in 2015.
"January 1, 1977 was the first day that the new canons allowed women to be ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church, and nine days later, i.e., on this very day (January 10) in 1977, Rt. Rev. Paul Moore, Jr., Bishop of New York, ordained Dr. Ellen Marie Barrett. Before that, she had been co-president of Integrity (with James Wickliff). With the ordination she became the first out lesbian priest in the Anglican Communion.
All hell howled. For over a year, foul screeds circulated ad nauseam in many media of The Episcopal Church, especially in letters to editors. It was as if Beelzebub were giving arsenic to TEC swig by swig.
In 2002 Bishop Moore celebrated at the mass marking the 25th anniversary of Ellen's ordination. At the reception afterwards, he quipped, "Louie, if I had known then what we know now, I could have said, 'Why the fuss? I am just ordaining a future nun.'"
Ellen is now known a Sr. Helena, a Solemnly Professed Sister, Companions of Our Lady and St Mungo, Diocese of Glasgow and Galloway, Scotland, UK.
I had the great joy of visiting with her and her significant other Alison Whybrow (Sr. Alison Joy) a few years ago after I had made pilgrimage to Iona. We shared lots of memories and a delicious pizza.
Sr. Helena has been a role model for me, a cherished counselor and guide, a teacher, and a friend.
Please rejoice with me for this blessing of and to the church.
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