Church of Sweden Elects World's First Lesbian Bishop

Rev. Eva Brunne became the first lesbian bishop after being elected May 26th. The Lutheran bishop of Stockholm, says as a lesbian she wants to stand side by side with people who feel powerless.

"I know what it is to be called into question," the Rev. Eva Brunne said in an article on the Church of Sweden web site after her election. "I am in the lucky situation that I have power and I can use it for the benefit of those who have no power."

Brunne, currently the dean of the Stockholm diocese, is also the first bishop in the Church of Sweden to live in a registered same-sex partnership. She is believed to be the first openly lesbian bishop in the world.

Brunne, 55, lives with priest Gunilla Linden. Their partnership has received church blessing. Also living with them is their three-year-old son.

"Once you have been baptized, no one can say you cannot be part of the Church because you are homo-, bi-, or transsexual," the French periodical Ttu quoted Brunne as saying.

She will succeed Bishop Caroline Krook, who is to retire in November. She won the election with 413 votes against 365 votes for Hans Ulfvebrand.

The Church of Sweden offers a special blessing for same-sex couples, but has faced criticism by other Lutheran churches, particularly those in African countries.