Harris, Barbara (1930–)

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Harris, Barbara (1930–)

African-American suffragan bishop. Born Barbara Clementine Harris in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 12, 1930; dau. of Walter Harris (steelworker) and Beatrice (Price) Harris (classical pianist); attended Villanova University, 1977–79, and Hobart and William Smith College; m. and div.; no children.

The 1st woman bishop in the history of the Episcopal Church, joined the Sun Oil Company in Philadelphia (1968), where she eventually became a public-relations executive; worked for African-American and women's rights (1960s); when ordination became a possibility for women, began studying for the ministry; ordained to the diaconate (1978) and as a priest (1980), age 50; elected suffragan (assistant) bishop of the Massachusetts diocese of the Episcopal Church (1988).

See also Women in World History.

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