Gayle Harris facts for kids

Gayle Elizabeth Harris was born on February 12, 1951. She became a Bishop Suffragan (which is like an assistant bishop) for the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts in 2003. She took over from another woman bishop, Barbara Harris (they are not related). This was a special moment because it was the first time in the Episcopal Church in the United States that one woman bishop was followed by another woman bishop.

Early Life and Education

Gayle Harris was born in Cleveland, Ohio. She went to Lewis & Clark College for her studies. Later, she attended the Church Divinity School of the Pacific. There, she earned a Master of Divinity degree, which is a special degree for people studying to become religious leaders.

She also received honorary degrees. In 2002, the Church Divinity School of the Pacific gave her an honorary Doctor of Divinity. She also received an honorary Doctor of Humanity from the New England Law Boston. These are special awards given to people for their achievements.

Her Journey as a Church Leader

Gayle Harris became a deacon in June 1981. A deacon is a church leader who helps with services and ministries. In February 1982, she became a priest. A priest is a leader who can perform more religious ceremonies.

From 1982 to 1984, she worked at Grace Church Van Vorst in Jersey City, New Jersey. She also served at St. Philip's Church in Washington, D.C.. In 1984, she became the priest-in-charge of Holy Communion Church in Washington, D.C.. At the same time, she was also a member of the clergy at Washington National Cathedral.

In 1992, she moved to Rochester, New York. There, she became the rector (the main priest) of St. Luke and St. Simon Cyrene's Church. She stayed there until 2002.

Becoming a Bishop

On June 1, 2002, Gayle Harris was chosen to be the Suffragan Bishop of Massachusetts. She was officially made a bishop on January 18, 2003. This special ceremony took place at Trinity Church in Boston. Bishop Arthur Benjamin Williams Jr. led the ceremony.

As a bishop, she had important roles. She led the House of Bishops Pastoral Development Committee. She also helped organize the Episcopal Bishops of African Descent.

In 2022, she retired from her role as Bishop Suffragan of Massachusetts. In April 2023, she took on a new role as the Assistant Bishop of the Diocese of Virginia.

See also

• List of Episcopal bishops of the United States
• Historical list of the Episcopal bishops of the United States