Gary Paterson of St Andrew’s-Wesley United Church in downtown Vancouver is the church’s first openly gay moderator.
Ottawa Citizen reports:
In a historic vote, the United Church of Canada has elected its first openly gay moderator.
After six ballots and nearly eight hours of voting at the church’s 41st general council in Ottawa Thursday, Rev. Gary Paterson emerged from a record field of 15 candidates to win the top job at Canada’s largest Protestant church. He is thought to be the first openly gay person to head any mainstream Christian denomination.
The 350 voting commissioners at the general council greeted the announcement with cheers and a prolonged standing ovation, and quickly voted to make Paterson’s election unanimous.
“I am so humbled by the trust and the responsibility you have placed in my hands,” Paterson told them.
Read the full article via OTTAWA CITIZEN
