Barbara C. Harris facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend Barbara Harris D.D., S.T.D. |
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|---|---|
| Suffragan Bishop of Massachusetts | |
 |
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| Church | Episcopal Church |
| Diocese | Diocese of Massachusetts |
| Elected | September 24, 1988 |
| In Office | 1989–2003 |
| Successor | Gayle Elizabeth Harris |
| Other posts | Assisting Bishop of Washington (2003–2007) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | September 29, 1979 (deacon) October 18, 1980 (priest) |
| Consecration | February 12, 1989 by Edmond L. Browning |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 12, 1930 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | March 13, 2020 (aged 89) Lincoln, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Parents | Walter Harris, Beatrice Waneidah Price |
| Spouse |
Raymond Rollins
(m. 1960; div. 1963) |
| Education | Philadelphia High School for Girls |
| Alma mater | Villanova University |
Barbara Clementine Harris (June 12, 1930 – March 13, 2020) was an American religious leader. She made history as the first woman to become a bishop in the Anglican Communion. This is a worldwide group of Christian churches.
Bishop Harris was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She served as a bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts from 1989 to 2003. Later, she was a bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington from 2003 to 2007. She passed away in 2020 at the age of 89 after a short illness.
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Early Life and Education
Barbara Clementine Harris was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She attended the Philadelphia High School for Girls. After high school, she went on to study at Villanova University.
Becoming a Religious Leader
Barbara Harris felt a calling to serve in the church. She was first ordained as a deacon on September 29, 1979. A deacon is a person who helps the priest. About a year later, on October 18, 1980, she became a priest. This meant she could lead church services and perform other duties.
Making History as a Bishop
On September 24, 1988, Barbara Harris was elected to be a bishop. This was a very important moment. She was consecrated, or officially made a bishop, on February 12, 1989. This made her the first woman bishop in the entire Anglican Communion. Her consecration was led by Edmond L. Browning.
Serving as Bishop
As a bishop, Barbara Harris had many important roles.
- She served as the Suffragan Bishop of Massachusetts from 1989 to 2003. A suffragan bishop helps the main bishop of a diocese.
- After her time in Massachusetts, she became an Assisting Bishop in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington. She held this role from 2003 to 2007.
Bishop Harris was known for her strong voice and her work for justice. She inspired many people throughout her life.
