Episcopal Diocese of Mass. elects first woman bishop – The Boston Globe

Whitworth was elected as the 17th bishop of the diocese on the fourth ballot during voting at Trinity Church in Boston, the diocese said in a statement on its website.

Following the vote, Whitworth joined the convention via Zoom and expressed gratitude to the congregation.

“I am honored, I am flabbergasted, I am overjoyed, I am overwhelmed, and I feel it a deep, deep privilege to be called in this way,” she said.

Whitworth, who was born in Richmond, Va., and completed her undergraduate degree at Dartmouth College, has served as rector of the Trinity Church in Indianapolis since 2016, according to the diocese. She was ordained a priest in September 2010 and has also served at churches in Connecticut and New York City.

Her consecration is scheduled for Oct. 19, pending approval by a majority of the Episcopal Church’s diocesan bishops and a majority of its dioceses via their standing committees, the diocese said.

“The Diocese of Massachusetts has a long, proud history: centuries of nurturing spiritual vitality, leadership and prophetic witness for the whole Episcopal Church,” Whitworth said in a statement released after her election. “Together we will build on that legacy by walking joyfully into your next chapter — proclaiming the Gospel, making disciples, strengthening our worshiping communities with imagination and courage, and working together for a more just and loving world.”

Whitworth was elected on the fourth round of balloting, receiving 118 clergy votes and 155 votes by lay delegates, the diocese said. Nominees needed to secure simple majority of votes from both groups to be elected.

The other four nominees were the Rev. Dr. Brendan J. Barnicle, rector of St. Francis of Assisi Church in Wilsonville, Ore.; the Rev. Edwin D. Johnson, director of organizing for Episcopal City Mission in Boston; the Rev. Canon Jean Baptiste Ntagengwa, Th.D., canon for immigration and multicultural ministries in the Diocese of Massachusetts; and the Rev. Gideon L.K. Pollach, rector of St. John’s Church in Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.

Whitworth will succeed the Rt. Rev. Alan M. Gates, who was elected bishop in 2014 and will retire in October at the time of Whitworth’s consecration, the diocese said.

“Julia Whitworth brings gifts of creativity and joy, along with solid experience and accomplishments at the diocesan and parish levels, which have prepared her for Spirit-driven leadership in our midst,” Gates said in the statement. “I look forward to having our bishop-elect join me and Assistant Bishop Carol Gallagher over the summer to serve together in preparing for a healthy and faithful transition in October.”

Nick Stoico can be reached at nick.stoico@globe.com.