Old Catholic Church in Haarlem elects female bishop

The Old Catholic Church in the Netherlands has made history by electing Erna Peijnenburg as the new bishop for the Diocese of Haarlem. She succeeds Dirk Jan Schoon and will become the first female bishop within the denomination. The election took place at the HH Anna and Maria church, where members selected Peijnenburg from a list of twenty candidates consisting of both male and female priests. She is scheduled to be officially ordained on October 10 at the Grote or Sint-Bavokerk in Haarlem.

Unlike the Roman Catholic Church, the Old Catholic Church allows its members to select their own bishops through a system inspired by early church traditions, rather than having appointments made by the Pope. With roughly 5,000 members in the country, the denomination emphasizes a process where candidates are nominated by their peers. As bishop, Peijnenburg will oversee clergy and faithful in her diocese, lead liturgical celebrations, and serve on the national board of the church.