Rev. Canon Robertson has been elected the first openly gay bishop by the Anglican Church in Canada, to serve in the diocese of Toronto.
Kevin Robertson was among three priests elected suffragan bishops at a synod of the diocese of Toronto, Saturday, September 17.
Rev. Canon Kevin Robertson’s election as bishop of Christ Church, Deer Park, in Tornoto, marks an historic moment for the Anglican Church in Canada.
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Robertson gave a speech after his election, stating that, although he expects the LGBTQ community in the Anglican Church will naturally rely on his leadership, he also wants to represent all people in his diocese.
“I’m very overwhelmed,” he began. “I didn’t really expect to be standing here on the steps, but I’m deeply, deeply honoured. I realise this is an historic day in the life of our church. It’s no secret that I’m the first openly gay, partnered bishop-elect in the diocese and perhaps in the Canadian church as well, and I know that for some people that’s a real challenge and for others it’s the fulfilment of what they’ve been hoping and praying for a very long time. The peace and unity of the church is really important to me and I will work to continue that peace and unity as a bishop.”
Robertson and his partner have two children. He was ordained as a deacon and priest in 1997 after graduating with his Master of Divinity degree from Trinity College in Toronto.
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