The United Church of Canada and LGBTQ

Did you know?

In 1980 the United Church produced a guide for congregations across the country to begin a fresh conversation about human sexuality, sexual orientation, ordination and commissioning of declared homosexual people.

In 1984 the church affirms its acceptance of all human beings as people made in the image of God regardless of their sexual orientations.

In 1984 the church acknowledges that it has encouraged, condoned and tolerated the rejection and persecution of homosexual people in society and the church, and calls upon the church to repent.

In 1988 the General Council (at its meeting in Victoria) declares that all people regardless of sexual orientation are declared welcome as full members, and all members are eligible to be considered for ordered ministry.

In 1992 the church calls upon the Federal Government to guarantee access to basic social, health care and economic services regardless of gender, ability, race, age, sexual orientation or place of residency.

In 1992 the church urges the Government to amend the Canadian Human Rights Act to include sexual orientation as a prohibited ground for discrimination.

In 1992 Tim Stevenson becomes the first openly gay person to be ordained in the church.

In 1993 the church urges the Federal Government to ensure that sexual orientation be identified as a ground for gender persecution as outlined in the Immigration and Refugee Board guidelines.

In 2000, the church adopts the policy to affirm and work toward the civil recognition of same-sex partnerships.

In 2003, the church calls on the Government of Canada to recognize same-sex marriage in the marriage legislation.

In 2009, the church affirms the participation and ministry of transgender people and encourages congregations to welcome transgender people into membership, ministry, and full participation.

In 2010, Cindy Bourgeois is the first openly transgender person ordained in the United Church.

In 2012 , the Right Reverend Gary Paterson is elected as Moderator ~ the first openly gay leader of a mainline Christian denomination.

In 2013, for the first time the church supports an LGBTQ refugee.

In 2015, the church elected the Right Reverend Jordon Cantwell as Moderator ~ the first openly lesbian leader of a mainline Christian denomination.