Vancouver reverend Gary Paterson, who was elected as the first gay moderator for the United Church of Canada this week, was officially sworn in last night.
The minister was chosen from 15 candidates to lead the church.
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He says he’s humbled by the decision and is glad his sexual orientation wasn’t an issue.
“I just happen to be gay. But I think if people really do their theological work, they will find that what God is really interested in is the depth and quality of relationship. The gender choice seems to be secondary,” Paterson told Global News.
Paterson currently presides at St. Andrew Wesley Church in downtown Vancouver.
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