The LGBT Religious Archives Network presents this online archival exhibition on the ordination of William R. Johnson, who was the first openly gay person to be ordained in a mainline Christian tradition. This exhibit focuses on original materials that portray this historic event. We will keep adding to this exhibition as more artifacts or commentaries are contributed.

CONTRIBUTE an artifact, memory or reflection to this exhibition.

1970

November 11

Bill Johnson comes out during a seminary forum on homosexuality.

1971

February

Bill is called to serve in a new house church ministry.

Bill's ordination is supported by San Carlos Community Church.

March

Judicatory's Church and Ministry Committee turns down ordination.

Deacons at San Carlos Church request an Ecclesiastical Council.

 

Bill speaks in worship at MCC Los Angeles. The sermon and his ordination paper are published in the November 1971 issue of In Unity.

1972

April 30

Ecclesiastical Council approves ordination by 62-34 vote.

June 25

Bill Johnson ordained.

The press covers the event.

1973

Ordination sparks analysis and outreach.

2012

40th Anniversary

William R. Johnson entered the Pacific School of Religion in September, 1968. A clean-cut, devout Texan who had completed pre-theological studies at Elmhurst College, Johnson appeared to be on the fast track to ministry. He immersed himself in seminary studies and work as youth minister at San Carlos Community Church, repressing his homosexuality of which he had long been aware. There was little affirmation for same-gender-loving in churches and seminaries in those days.

When Bill returned for his final seminary year in September, 1970, he saw notice of a gay seminarians group being convened by Jim Sorrells, professor at Starr King School for the Ministry, and others. Bill recalls some surprise in the room as he walked into the first meeting. The group wanted to open dialogue on homosexuality in the Berkeley seminaries so a forum was planned for November 11, 1970. Four hundred people showed up. Although not intending to be visible there, Bill found himself responding angrily to a speaker's comments dismissing thequalifications of homosexuals to serve in parish ministry, which he had already done with distinction. He rose and came out to the assembled seminary students and faculty, church leaders from throughout the Bay Area, and LGBT community members.

Johnson continued his studies toward his goal to be a parish minister. Another gay seminarian, Nick Benton, also was on an ordination track in the Golden Gate Association (GGA) of the United Church of Christ. However, Benton withdrew his candidacy. In February, 1971, Bill received a call to serve with a new house church ministry designed by the Rev. John M. Rogers, Association Conference Minister of the Southern California Conference UCC. The call meant Bill could formally apply to be ordained.

Bill received unanimous support from the deacons at Community Church in San Carlos to sponsor his request for ordination by the GGA. In March he met with the judicatory's Church and Ministry Committee which turned down his request by a 5-4 vote. The deacons at the San Carlos Church reaffirmed their support and, as was their right, requested that the Association convene an Ecclesiastical Council comprised all clergy and lay delegates from each congregation so "the people" could decide whether or not to ordain Bill for ministry. With Bill's consent, the GGA agreed to convene this council after allowing a year for education.

A large turnout for the ecclesiastical council on April 30, 1972, heard Bill's ordination paper and engaged in vigorous questioning and debate. Finally, after four hours, the delegates voted to approve his ordination by a 62 to 34 vote. William R. Johnson was ordained at the San Carlos Community Church on June 25, 1972.