Episcopal Church in Southern US Appoints Openly Lesbian Bishop for the First Time

On May 23, 2026, Reverend Sarah Fisher became the ninth bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of East Carolina. She is the first openly lesbian bishop in the Episcopal Church in the southern states of the US. Under her leadership are now 66 parishes and two university campus ministries in North Carolina.

Fisher was elected in November 2025 by a simple majority in the third round of voting. Fisher is married to Reverend Mandy Brady. Answering questions from the diocese during the selection process, she wrote: “I have a heart that can sit with people in times of both joy and heartbreak.” After being elected, she addressed the diocese: “With a grateful and full heart, I can’t wait to see where we go.”

Fisher noted that her congregation is diverse: people disagree on politics and everyday matters. She describes her approach to ministry as immersing herself in relationships with people. “Being proximate to those who are different from us is vital for seeing the inherent dignity and divinity that lives in every human being,” — Fisher says. — “It is easy to hate an idea, a stereotype, or a firmly held belief. It is much harder to hate a neighbor you know.”

Over the past decades, the Episcopal Church has become more tolerant of LGBT people. In 2015, the General Convention allowed same-sex couples to marry in churches — the decision was supported by 129 votes to 26. In 2025, the Episcopal Church signed an interfaith statement in support of transgender people, noting that many believers accept the full spectrum of gender identity.