Episcopal Press and News

Jelinek Receives Consents from Standing Committees

Episcopal News Service. October 22, 1993 [93183A]

A majority of the standing committees of the Episcopal Church have consented to the election of the Rev. James Jelinek as bishop of Minnesota. Jelinek's election had been challenged by groups opposed to his position in favor of ordaining gay and lesbian individuals, and they challenged the election process, contending that the diocese only considered candidates who were open to the ordination of homosexuals. When a majority of diocesan bishops have consented to Jelinek's election, the consent process will be complete. Gary Gleason, president of Minnesota's standing committee, said, "We are pleased that the larger church has upheld the Episcopal tradition of respecting a diversity of positions, trusting that the Spirit of God will lead us through our differences to a fuller vision of God's will." Jelinek thanked the standing committees for their support, saying that "their courage and generosity of spirit shows that, even in the midst of controversy, the Episcopal Church is vital and healthy."