Lesbian ordination called progress in church's attitude

NEW YORK (P)

Bishop Paul Moore Jr. of the New York Episcopal Diocese said he believes the ordination of a self-described lesbian here as a deacon in the church is a sign of a healthy change in attitude toward homosexual.ity.

"Homosexuality is a condition which one does not choose; it is not a question of morality," Bishop Moore said in a statement about the ordination of Ellen Barret as a deacon Dec. 15.

"Historically many of the finest clergy in our church have had this personality structure," he said.

He said the new deacon "has spoken openly about her homosexuality" and "I believe that this openness is a healthy development in our culture and in our church.

"She has shown courage and compassion in her identification with the so-called gay community. The (diocese's) standing committee and I felt that her openness was no bar to ordination, but rather a credit to her."