Barbara Harris (bishop) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Right Reverend Barbara Harris |
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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 11, 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 bishop in the Episcopal Church. She made history as the first woman to become a bishop in the entire Anglican Communion.
She was chosen as a suffragan bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts on September 24, 1988. Her special ceremony, called a consecration, happened on February 11, 1989. About 8,000 people came to watch this important event in Boston, Massachusetts. She served as a bishop for 13 years, retiring in 2003.
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Early Life and Education
Barbara Clementine Harris was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on June 12, 1930. Her parents were Walter Harris and Beatrice Waneidah Price.
She went to the Philadelphia High School for Girls and finished in 1948. At school, she was very good at music. She also wrote a weekly newspaper column called "High School Notes by Bobbi." Later, her high school honored her for her amazing work.
After high school, Barbara Harris studied advertising and journalism. She earned a certificate in 1950. She also attended Villanova University and studied theology in England.
Her Career and Activism
Before becoming a priest, Barbara Harris worked in public relations for the Sun Oil Company.
She was very active in the civil rights movement in the 1960s. She joined "Freedom Rides" and marches, including those led by Martin Luther King Jr.. During summer breaks, she helped register Black voters in Mississippi. She was brave and didn't think much of the dangers she faced.
Throughout her life, Barbara Harris was known for speaking her mind. She believed strongly in fairness and equality for everyone. As early as 1989, she spoke out for LGBT rights and against racism and sexism in the church.
Becoming a Priest
Barbara Harris was a member of the Church of the Advocate in Philadelphia for many years. She helped during a historic service in 1974. In this service, the first eleven women, known as the Philadelphia Eleven, became priests in the Episcopal Church. This was a big step, as women becoming priests was still new.
When Barbara Harris felt called to become a minister, her church leader recommended her. She was ordained as a deacon in 1979. A year later, in 1980, she became a priest.
From 1980 to 1984, she led the St. Augustine of Hippo Church in Pennsylvania. She also worked as a chaplain in Philadelphia prisons. She advised companies on social issues. In 1984, she became the executive director of a church publishing company. She also published The Witness magazine.
Becoming a Bishop
On September 24, 1988, Barbara Harris was chosen to be a bishop for the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. This was a very important moment. She was the first woman ever elected to be a bishop in the Episcopal Church. She was also the first in the entire Anglican Communion.
Some people had concerns because she was a woman. Others worried about how this would affect relationships with other churches. But many people supported her, and her election was successful.
Her consecration ceremony took place on February 11, 1989. It was a huge event with 8,000 people attending in Boston. Sixty bishops took part in the "laying on of hands," a special blessing. The service was televised live and lasted three hours.
As the first woman and African American to become a bishop, she faced challenges. She even received threats. People suggested she wear a bulletproof vest to her ordination, but she bravely refused. She simply said, "I don't take this in a personal way."
Speaking about her role, Bishop Harris said she wanted to use her unique gifts. She felt her experiences as a Black woman helped her understand people's struggles.
She served as bishop in Massachusetts for 13 years. This diocese had 98,000 members. She retired in 2003 and was followed by another African-American woman, Gayle Elizabeth Harris. After that, she served as an assisting bishop in Washington until 2007.
Later Life and Legacy
In 2010, Barbara Harris had a stroke. But she recovered well and continued to preach. She passed away on March 13, 2020, at the age of 89.
The Barbara C. Harris Camp & Conference Center in Greenfield, New Hampshire, is named in her honor. This center is a special place for young people and families. It was developed with the help of many volunteers and donations. The center welcomed its first campers in 2003.
Three months after her death, Bishop Harris was remembered during a special ceremony. This was when Deon Kevin Johnson became the new bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.
The Episcopal Church has also added a special day to its calendar to remember Bishop Barbara Clementine Harris. This day is February 11, the anniversary of her consecration.
See also
In Spanish: Barbara Clementine Harris para niños
