Catholic Bishop Participates in the “seating” of California’s First Episcopal Woman Bishop

Bishop Patrick McGrath of San Jose was among those present for the official welcoming and seating on Saturday, Jan. 11 of Mary Gray-Reeves, the first woman Episcopal bishop in California. During the event, held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in San Jose, Bishop McGrath, dressed in red robes, was seated prominently behind the altar.

When California Catholic Daily asked the diocese about the appropriateness of Bishop McGrath’s participation in a non-Catholic ceremony, diocesan spokeswoman Roberta Ward downplayed McGrath’s role. “He was not a participant, and this wasn’t an ordination," said Ward. "This was an ecumenical gesture, much like when the pope does something with the Archbishop of Canterbury.”

Sorry, it's not even close to being similar to the Holy Father's meetings with the Archbishop of Canterbury...Nice touch, though! Maybe some will buy that...

at Cal Catholic Daily