Early Life and Ordination
Barrett's parents were Linton Lomas Barrett and Marie Hamilton McDavid. Prior to her ordination to the priesthood, Barrett served as a deacon in the New York diocese. She was a founding member and the first co-president of Integrity, a group formed to advocate for the full participation of lesbians, gays and bisexuals in the church. Her record at the General Theological Seminary was considered exemplary, and she was well regarded academically, professionally and spiritually by the faculty.
Barrett was ordained deacon in 1975 at St. Peter's Church, Chelsea, New York City, and priest in 1977 by Bishop Paul Moore at the Church of the Holy Apostles, New York City. Bishop Moore was aware of her sexual orientation and did not feel it should prohibit her from entering the ministry. He was strongly convinced that her commitment to a vocation far outweighed her commitment to the "gay movement".
Read more about this topic: Ellen Barrett
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