Rev Megan Rohrer has become the first openly transgender pastor to be appointed as a bishop in any major Christian denomination in the US. 

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) elected Rev Megan as the bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod for a six-year term on Saturday, who will now oversee nearly 200 congregations in California and Nevada. 

The Lutheran and Episcopal church are the only two Christian denominations in the US that allow transgender people to become clergy. 

Rev Megan, 41, was the first transgender person to be ordained in the ELCA in 2006 and the first to lead a church in 2014. 

"I pray that my election by the faithful people of the Sierra Pacific Synod will become a constant reminder that God's fabulous love is never limited by the opinions or legislation of others," Rev Megan told The New York Times.

In a statement, Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries, an organisation that advocates for LGBT members to participate in the Lutheran Church said: "'Megan has always found themself walking alongside in solidarity with, and to provide safety for, those lifting their voices for justice.

"Today, history was made in our church! ELM celebrates a church that now recognises the gifts of queer leaders like Bishop-elect Rohrer and we anticipate the day when all queer ministry leaders will be called to ministry settings without hindrance or barrier and will be affirmed in their God-given calls."

Rev Megan will begin her new role on 1st July when the current bishop of the Sierra Pacific Synod, Rev. Mark W. Holmerud, retires.