Denver Mennonites move toward lesbian ordination

A Denver congregation of Mennonites has licensed the first lesbian in a committed same-sex relationship, the first step toward ordination. Theda Good’s licensure on February 2 was celebrated by some Mennonite Church USA clergy and greeted with dismay by others.

Good was licensed for ministry as pastor of nurture and fellowship at First Mennonite Church of Denver, where she is currently on the staff. Originally from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Good is a graduate of Eastern Mennonite Seminary in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Whether the Colorado-based conference, or region, of Mennonites will approve Good’s ordination isn’t clear. Good declined to be interviewed.