Gay gives opening prayer in House

Christian Century, May 17, 2003

An ordained minister in the gay-oriented Metropolitan Community Churches gave the opening prayer May 1--the National Day of Prayer--for the U.S. House of Representatives. It was the first time an openly gay member of the clergy has had the honor, according to the denomination. Steven Torrance, a former MCC pastor in Key West, Florida, now serves as a police officer and chaplain in that city.

He delivered the prayer at the invitation of Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R., Fla.). His prayer for "justice and equality for every human being" made no mention of gays and lesbians. Troy Perry, founder-moderator of the MCC, termed the appearance "another significant milestone" for the 35-year-old West Los Angeles--based denomination.