Dixon Ordains Non-celibate Homosexual
Episcopal News Service. August 31, 1995 [95-1214Y]
(ENS) Bishop Jane Dixon, suffragan of the Diocese of Washington, recently ordained to the diaconate Barbara Clarke, a non-celibate lesbian from Kensington, Maryland. Dixon acted as ecclesiastical authority in a ceremony in Washington National Cathedral on June 17, while the diocesan bishop of Washington, Ronald Haines, was on sabbatical. Dixon read a statement at the ceremony that declared that "it is clear that there is broad and firm support in the diocese for what we have come together to do here this morning." In response, three persons arose to declare the ordination to be "contrary to doctrine and teaching." Deacon Clarke was presented by her life partner, representing the laity, and the rector of her sponsoring parish, the Rev. Duane Alvord of St. John's, Norwood. She said she had been in a committed relationship for 10 years.