Barbara Harris was an American religious leader who made history as the first woman consecrated as a bishop within the Anglican Communion. Born in Philadelphia in 1930, she rose to prominence through her service in the Episcopal Church. After being ordained as a deacon in 1979 and a priest in 1980, she was elected suffragan bishop for the Diocese of Massachusetts in 1988. Her groundbreaking appointment, which took place in 1989, marked a significant shift in the leadership of the Anglican tradition.