A Canadian Baptist church and association He ordained two ministers from the United Kingdom on 27 October because they could not be ordained in the Baptist Union of Great Britain.

The First Baptist Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the Canadian Baptist Liberties Union have appointed Andrea King and Luke Dowding as ministers. The ceremony was attended by family, friends and faith leaders from across North America and Europe.

King, a graduate of Oxford Regents College, serves as OneBodyOneFaith’s director of conservation and strategy. Dowding, a graduate of Spurgeon’s College London and King’s College London, serves as CEO of OneBodyOneFaith.

Luke Dowding and Andrea King

“Andrea and Luke, their Sexuality and public position regarding LGBTQ relationships and LGBTQ protection in the church cannot be ordained and accredited in the Baptist Union of Great Britain. “This landmark expression of God’s expansive love and inclusive call is the result of years of partnership and growing relationships between the Canadian Baptist Liberties Union, OneBodyOneFaith, and a global partnership for progressive Baptists,” he said.

Rusty Edwards is senior minister and chairman of the ordination qualification committee at Halifax First Baptist Church.

“In 1830, the First Baptist Church of Halifax sent two qualified clergy to Providence, R.I., in the United States, for ordination by the First Baptist Church of America,” he said. “One hundred and ninety-four years later, we live out our story to acknowledge Andrea and Luke, celebrate and confirm the Spirit’s work in their lives, and send them out to continue living the justice-love of Jesus. “This ceremony is part of a larger movement within the global Baptist family to live more fully our legacy of freedom under the guidance of Jesus Christ.”

Canadian Baptist Liberties Association It is a fellowship of both individuals and churches across Canada. They describe themselves as “Baptists who freely seek, live, share and celebrate justice, peace and love under the rule of Christ.”

OneBodyOneFaith is an ecumenical Christian charity based in the United Kingdom that works to ensure that LGBTQ Christians not only survive, but thrive.

Clara Rushbrook, co-principal of Northern Baptist College in Manchester, England, attended both ordination councils and delivered the address during the ceremony.

“I am deeply honored “To be able to attend this historic ceremony today,” he said. “Andrea and Luke openly and graciously fulfill their God-given calling as preachers of the gospel, despite the numerous obstacles placed in their way. “Their integrity, commitment to justice, and heart for all who are marginalized are evidence of their deep love for God and faith in Christ and a rich blessing to our global Baptist family and God’s broader family.”