Sweden ordains first openly lesbian bishop
Eva Brunne, Sweden’s first openly lesbian bishop, has been sworn into her new role.
Brunne, 55, who is in a registered partnership and has a three-year-old son, is also believed to be the world’s first lesbian bishop.
She was ordained yesterday (Sunday) as bishop of Stockholm, two weeks after Sweden decided to allow gay and lesbian couples to marry in church.
She has been praised for her natural authority, enthusiasm and sense of humour, telling one reporter who asked about her hobbies: “I read crime fiction. And I carve. The things you do to conform to Jesus, huh?”
Following her appointment in June, Brunne said: “I am happy and very proud to be part of a church that encourages people to make their own decisions.”
She added: “Diversity is a big wealth.”
