The Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina officially appointed Reverend Sarah Fisher as its ninth bishop, making her the first openly lesbian Episcopal bishop in the Southern United States. Fisher, 54, was elected last November on the third ballot by a simple majority. As reported by the Christian Post, Fisher emphasized compassion and unity throughout the selection process. While responding to questions from the diocese, Fisher wrote, “I serve a very purple congregation…We are not unanimous in politics, or in how much noise children should make in church, or what brand of coffee to serve.
We are united in our desire to see, know, and serve the Risen Christ.” She also addressed division within communities and the importance of human connection. Fisher is married to the Reverend Mandy Brady and now oversees 66 parishes across North Carolina, as well as two college campus ministries.
The Episcopal Church has increasingly embraced LGBTQ+ inclusion in recent decades. In 2015, the Episcopal General Convention voted 129-26 to allow same-sex couples to marry in Episcopal churches. Last year, the church also joined a multi-faith affirmation supporting transgender people, rejecting what organizers called the disgraceful misconception that all people of faith oppose gender diversity.
