KIM LAWTON: Nevada bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will be the head pastor and chief administrator of the two-million-member U.S. Episcopal Church, and she will represent the American church around the world.
Jefferts Schori is taking the helm of a denomination deeply divided over issues surrounding homosexuality and the interpretation of Scripture. Her election was controversial for some because of her gender and for others because of her liberal theological views. Seven of the more than one hundred U.S. dioceses are refusing to be under her authority, and several international Anglican leaders have said they won't recognize her position.(to Jefferts Schori): Do you feel that reconciliation is still possible, and what will you do to make that happen?
Bishop KATHERINE JEFFERTS SCHORI (Presiding Bishop, U.S. Episcopal Church): There is always the possibility of reconciliation, resurrection, renewal, and once we lose a sense of that in a very deep way, we have challenged the very foundations of our faith.
(inspecting her plane): No nicks on the propeller; the fan belt's tight; no birds have gotten in here.
LAWTON: Jefferts Schori is a licensed pilot and a former oceanographer. In Nevada, she flew a small plane from one end of her diocese to the other as she ministered to her flock. She says one downside of moving to the Episcopal Church's headquarters in New York is that she won't have as many opportunities to fly.
Bishop JEFFERTS SCHORI: I'm sure I will have much to learn that I don't even know about. But I think life is meant to be challenging. If we're going to use the fullness of the gifts that we've been given, it means we have to continue to be stretched, and I look forward to that.
