Vermont’s Episcopal church elects black woman as bishop

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - Vermont’s Episcopal church has for the first time chosen an African-American woman as its bishop.

The Rev. Shannon MacVean-Brown was elected Saturday by representatives of Vermont’s 45 Episcopal congregations.

MacVean-Brown will become the first black woman to hold the post in Vermont. She replaces Bishop Thomas Ely, who will be retiring after 18 years as Vermont’s Episcopal bishop.

MacVean-Brown currently serves as the interim rector of St. Thomas Episcopal Church, of Franklin, Indiana. She is planning to move to Vermont with her family in August.

Current plans call for her ordination as Vermont bishop on Sept. 28.