August 21, 1990 - Gay & Lesbian Ordination

United Church of Canada reaffirms the ordination of gay & lesbian ministers. In 1972, the United church’s general council commissioned a study on human sexuality that went toward helping its members accept gays and lesbians more than other mainstream religious groups in Canada. Eight years later, the church established a task force to determine what role gays and lesbians might play in the church. By 1988, defying substantial opposition from across the country, church leaders passed a motion that allowed homosexuals to become full and active members of the church – even to serve as ordained ministers. Two years later, on August 21, 1990, delegates to the United church’s highest court reaffirmed the ordination of gay and lesbian ministers in a London, Ontario gathering. Delegates approved the controversial policy by a vote of 302 to 74. The policy split the church in many communities and prompted some to leave. The United Church is Canada’s largest Protestant denomination.

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