The Episcopal church in the United States has elected a second openly gay bishop.

The move could re-ignite a dispute within the worldwide Anglican movement that began with the first such appointment in the US six years ago.

The Reverend Mary Glasspool was elected assistant bishop in the Los Angeles diocese. Her appointment has still to be approved by national church leaders.

The choice is controversial. When a gay man, Gene Robinson, was elected as the first gay bishop in the Episcopal Church in 2003, it caused uproar among traditionalists.

Conservatives in the US formed a breakaway group and Anglican leaders have struggled to prevent a permanent rift among the global congregation of more than 70 million.

Reverend Glasspool needs the approval of a majority of national church leaders before she can be consecrated, but her election may spark yet another row in an already fractured community.