Liberal To Lead Church (Press, 12 September 1985)

On 12 September 1985, the United States Episcopal Church elected the Rt Rev Edmond Browning as its new Primate. Browning, who was the Bishop of Hawaii, committed to a liberal agenda aimed at supporting the rights of blacks, women, and homosexuals within the Church. His election comes at a time when the Church is grappling with issues of inclusion and social justice. Bishop Browning's stance on the ordination of homosexuals marks a significant shift from a previous Church vote that opposed the ordination of practising homosexuals. He asserted that qualified individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, should not be excluded from the priesthood. He also expressed his intention to advocate for the rights of South African blacks fighting against apartheid, voicing discontent with President Ronald Reagan’s limited sanctions against the South African government, which he described as inadequate. Bishop Browning was elected during the Church’s bicentennial convention after four rounds of secret balloting by over 200 bishops. At 56 years old, he was seen as the most liberal candidate among the four bishops nominated for the role, succeeding the Most Rev John Allin, a moderate conservative who was set to leave office at the end of the year. Browning’s election coincided with both his thirty-second wedding anniversary and a significant moment for the Church, which has historically included many prominent American figures, including 11 U.S. presidents. In his remarks following the election, Browning underscored the Church’s prophetic role in addressing the needs of the impoverished and hungry, both domestically and globally. His support for social justice initiatives aligns with the Episcopal Church's tradition of advocacy despite the conservative tendencies among its lay members. Proven to be a controversial figure, Browning has a history of engagement with socio-political issues, having worked on a task force concerning Namibia, and supporting American draft resisters during the Vietnam War. Overall, Bishop Browning's leadership is expected to reflect a progressive direction for the Episcopal Church, addressing key social issues and promoting inclusivity within its ranks.

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