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FACES

Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori
The first female head of an Anglican denomination Katharine Jefferts Schori, is a marine biologist specialist in squids and oysters, a former Roman Catholic and a pilot. The52-year-old Bishop of Nevada beat six others to become head of the U.S. Episcopal Church. Her election has caused serious division in the Anglican Church, especially in Africa. Married with one daughter, Jefferts Schori is fluent in Spanish and is known for reaching out to the Hispanic communityl

Canon David Howell of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Cathedral in San Juan, Puerto Rico, recently attended a meeting where she was asked many tough questions. She says after her pilot training, she is used to being rejected by men professionals, so is prepared for a rough reception in Africa.
 
Apart from the U.S. only Canada and New Zealand, among 38 Anglican provinces, have female bishops.
 
A liberal, she voted three years ago for the ordination of gay US bishop Gene Robinson, a move that sparked fury in some other Anglican denominations, particularly in Africa.
 
As Church leader, one of her challenges will be to try to heal such divisions.