Ellen Marie Barrett (born February 10, 1946 in Lawrence, Kansas) is an Episcopal priest and was the first openly lesbian priest to be properly ordained. Her ordination took place shortly after the General Convention approved the ordination of women in 1977. Barrett's candor about her homosexuality caused great controversy within the church. Even prior to her entry into the priesthood, she was a prominent spokesperson for the rights of gays and lesbians in the church, especially in regards to ordination.