Vermont's Episcopal church elects black woman as bishop

BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - Vermont's Episcopal church is going to be getting a new bishop.

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

MacVean-Brown will become the first African American woman to hold the post in Vermont.

She will replace 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.