The Rev. Tracey Lind—the dean of a Cleveland, Ohio, cathedral who has a female partner—is one of five nominees that the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago has chosen to be on a Nov. 10 ballot for bishop, according to Gay.com .
If Lind is selected, she would follow New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson as the second bishop living with a partner of the same sex. Robinson was consecrated in 2003.
Lind's nomination is not without controversy. Robinson's selection had already created a schism within the world Anglican community, as many conservative members protested the development. ( The Episcopal Church is the U.S. branch of the Anglican Communion. ) Springfield Bishop Peter Beckwith told The Chicago Tribune that the city's nomination of Lind 'is simply flying in the face of the desire of the Anglican Communion. It's a slap in the face.'
When asked what he thought of Lind's nomination, Robinson ( through his communications assistant ) e-mailed Windy City Times that 'I trust the people and the process in the Diocese of Chicago to make their choice of bishop thoughtfully and prayerfully. They have nominated a slate of strong, gifted and faithful candidates, and God will be their guide in choosing the next Bishop.'
The other candidates for bishop of the Chicago diocese are the Rev. Timothy Safford, rector of Christ Church, Philadelphia; the Rev. Jane Gould, rector of St. Stephen's Memorial Episcopal Church in Lynn, Mass.; the Rev. Jeffrey Lee, rector of St. Thomas Church in Medina, Wash.; and the Rev. Margaret Rose, leader of national Episcopal women's ministries.