He became the first openly gay Minister in the United Church of Canada. 20 years later, his husband has become the Church’s first openly gay leader. And they’re both from Vancouver.
City Councillor Tim Stevenson became the first openly gay person to be ordained in the Church back in 1992. Today, his husband, Rev. Gary Paterson, is the Church’s newly elected Moderator.
Paterson was chosen at the General Council in Ottawa from 15 candidates to lead the Church in a time when its future is uncertain.
He says he’s glad his sexual orientation wasn’t an issue.
Paterson was ordained back in 1977 and both he and Stevenson served with the First United Church in Vancouver’s downtown eastside.
Paterson says he is very humbled by the responsibility placed upon him, and looks forward to his new role.
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