New era in Episcopal Church
For the first time, a woman will lead the American arm of the Anglican Communion
By Manya A. Brachear
Chicago Tribune staff reporter
Published November 4, 2006

When Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori takes hold of the staff that symbolizes her rise in rank on Saturday, she will turn the tables on five centuries of Anglican history and quite possibly alter its course.

Three decades after the Episcopal Church resolved to ordain women, the landmark decision that instilled hope for many has made only a small difference in the life of the church. Women fill a majority of the church pews and seminaries but account for a fraction of its bishops. the rest