Los Angeles suffragan Mary Glasspool was given final approval yesterday as the Episcopal Church's (TEC) second openly gay bishop.

Glasspool is also the second woman in the Los Angeles Diocese to be elevated to the position of bishop, with her predecessor, the Rev. Canon Diane Jardine Bruce having received approval just a week prior.

"I am profoundly grateful for the many people -- in Los Angeles, in Maryland, and around the world -- who have given their prayers, love, and support during this time of discernment," said Glasspool, 56, in a statement. "I am also aware that not everyone rejoices in this election and consent, and will work, pray, and continue to extend my own hands and heart to bridge those gaps, and strengthen the bonds of affection among all people, in the Name of Jesus Christ."

In a statement giving thanks to those involved in the approval process, Bishop Jon Bruno of Los Angeles said that the committees and bishops "have joined the Diocese of Los Angeles in recognizing and affirming the many gifts and skills of these highly qualified and experienced clerics."

Bishop David C. Anderson of the American Anglican Council (AAC), however, was less enthusiastic about Glasspool's approval, saying, "What this means is the majority of The Episcopal Church's leaders - down to the diocesan level throughout America - are exercising no restraint as requested by the Archbishop of Canterbury and the primates of the Anglican Communion. Despite pleas to the contrary, they have given their consent for a partnered lesbian to become a bishop, not just for Los Angeles, but for the whole church."

"Unfortunately, this comes as no surprise because The Episcopal Church, at its General Convention this summer, voted in favor of allowing dioceses to determine whether they will conduct same sex blessings using whatever rites they deem appropriate," he continued. "Even if The Episcopal Church should eventually decide to sign an Anglican Covenant, it has shown time and time again that it will not abide by traditional Christian and Anglican Communion teaching on marriage and sexuality."

Glasspool, who is slated for consecration in May, is the first gay clergy member approved in the TEC since 2003 when Bishop Gene Robinson from New Hampshire was consecrated in one of the most controversial moves in the church's history.

Robinson's consecration was the tip off to an issue that has divided not only the worldwide Anglican Communion, but other denominations as well.

Two congregations in the Evangelical Lutheran Church (ELCA), one in Ft. Pierce, Florida and one in West Manchester, Pennsylvania, recently voted to leave the church citing differences with the denomination's 2009 Assembly decision to allow openly gay clergy.

The Florida congregation, however, was denied dismissal by its governing synod, who cited mission-related reasons for its decision.

While the synod has suggested trying to reconcile the congregation to the denomination, the congregation's pastor, Theodore C. Rice, however, believes differences are too deep.

"How are they going to work with us? We completely disagree with them," he said.

"The Bible says for a man to live with a man is an abomination," Rice told a local paper. "We are not against homosexuals, just against homosexual sexual practices. We are called upon to love them. How do you love them? In the best way you can."

The West Manchester congregation must make a second vote after 90 days before its dismissal request is presented to its regional synod.