Elder Lois Stair…

Newsweek has the following to say in an article about how American denominations view women:

When Nevada Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori this month became the head of the U.S. Episcopal Church, she wasn’t just the first presiding bishop of that faith—she became the first woman in American history elected to lead a major Christian denomination…But there are indications that times are changing. Just this month, the U.S. Presbyterian Church elected the Rev. Joan S. Gray as its”moderator,” a one-year position akin to being named ambassador.

Sounds like the Presbyterians are behind the 8-ball on this one, huh? Truth of the matter is that the first woman elected Moderator of the Presbyterian Church was Elder Lois Stair, way back in 1971. (Should have been earlier, I know, but still.)

Stair passed away in 1981; Here is her obit. An interesting quiz (in PDF format) about the ordination of women in the presbyterian church is available, too…

…Sorry, I forgot the link to the Newsweek article, which is here.