Last week, a letter urging the San Francisco archbishop not to participate in the pro-marriage rally was openly signed by 80 politicians, community representatives, faith leaders, and LGBT advocates including: California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom; San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee; the Very Rev. Brian Baker, Dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Sacramento; Episcopal Bishop Wendell Gibbs (X Michigan); and Vivian Taylor, Executive Director, Episcopal Integrity-USA.

This long struggle began in 1967 when Mrs. Ruth Gregory Soper carefully constructed her will to make a lasting legacy out of her money obtained from Texas oil. She gave financial bequests to many organizations and people, including George Washington University, St. Alban’s School, and other Episcopal entities. Mrs. Soper made direct financial gifts to other people and institutions yet for the diocese, she had requested that the bank handle the money and not the diocese.

High sounding words, indeed, full of noblesse oblige and richness of tone. But bear with me.

Anglican provinces in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States already have women serving as bishops. The U.S. has an avowed lesbian in its ranks.