Biography
Early Life
Barbara Clementine Harris was born on June 12, 1930, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She was raised Episcopalian. She was very active in her church from a young age. Harris established the Young Adult Group at her church when she was a teenager. The group had over 50 members. This showed her natural leadership abilities even as a young person.
She worked for the Joe Baker Associates public relations firm after she graduated from high school. Harris worked her way up through the company. She became the president of the Baker Association. This achievement showed her dedication and strong work ethic. She joined the Sun Oil Company in 1968. She became a top public relations executive. Harris built a successful career in business before turning to full-time ministry.
Community Outreach
Harris was a very active volunteer at the St. Dismas Society. This is a volunteer organization that counsels people in prison. Harris also became a board member of the Pennsylvania Prison Society. She volunteered for over 10 years in the prison system. Her work within the prison showed her compassion and desire to help others. It also showed her desire to spread her religion. Harris believed that everyone deserved support and spiritual guidance. She worked with people that society often forgot about.
Harris joined the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. She traveled to the South during this dangerous time. She helped register Black voters in the South. This work was risky but important. Harris was committed to fighting for justice and equality for all people.
Religious Advancements & Leadership
Harris returned to her spiritual roots during the late 1960s. She joined the North Philadelphia Church of the Advocate. This church was known for its social activism and commitment to the community.
The Episcopal Church allowed women to enter the priesthood in 1976. This was a major change in church history. Harris was interested and began to study for the priesthood. She was ordained as a deacon in 1979. She was ordained as a priest in 1980. Harris continued to serve as the chaplain in local prisons. She also served the church as a priest at the same time. She never gave up her prison ministry work.
Harris was elected Suffragan Bishop on September 24, 1988. This was a historic election. Harris was the first woman to be appointed to the Office of the Bishop. She was also the 29th Black person to be appointed. Harris had a huge responsibility as the Suffragan Bishop. She oversaw the approximately 100,000-member diocese of Massachusetts.
Her election as the Suffragan Bishop caused conflict within the church. The controversy was because she was divorced. It was also because she was a woman. She did not follow the traditional route to the priesthood. Some people also considered her views too liberal. These controversies did not stop her from performing well in her role as Suffragan Bishop. Harris faced opposition with grace and determination.
Some people doubted Harris’s ability to do a good job as the Suffragan Bishop. Harris’ strength allowed her to continue her work. She made sure that the church did not ignore issues that were plaguing the nation. She worked to make sure that racism, sexism, class discrimination, and the rise of the AIDS epidemic amongst teenagers were not tolerated within the church. Harris was bold in addressing difficult topics. She believed the church should lead the way in fighting injustice. Harris continued to serve her community and church with passion and dedication.
Harris retired from her position as the Suffragan Bishop in 2003. She continued her service as an assisting Bishop in the Diocese of Washington, DC. She served until 2007. Harris also continued to volunteer within her community and at her church. Even in retirement, she remained active and committed to service.
Barbara Clementine Harris passed away on March 13, 2020. Her trailblazing legacy was a life of serving others. She opened doors for women and people of color in the church. Her courage and faith inspired countless people around the world.
