MBABANE, Swaziland  — The Anglican Church has appointed its first female bishop in Africa with the elevation of a priest in the tiny nation of Swaziland.

Ellinah Wamukoya will serve as the bishop for the nation after her selection this Saturday. The 61-year-old said her focus is on bringing integrity to the church.

Wamukoya told The Associated Press on Monday: "I am going to try to represent the mother attribute of God. A mother is a caring person but at the same time, a mother can be firm in doing whatever she is doing."

On Tuesday, the Church of England votes on whether it will finally admit women to the ranks of bishops.

Sister churches of the Anglican Communion in Australia, New Zealand, and the United States already have female bishops.