History
The Rev. Dr. William R. Johnson (born June 12, in Houston, Texas) was the first openly gay person ordained in the United Church of Christ (UCC) and the first such person ordained in the history of Christianity. His ordination took place on June 25, at the Community UCC in San Carlos, California, authorized by the Golden Gate Association of the Northern California/Nevada Conference. Though police turned their backs on the marchers, they honored their parade permit. The stone and timber halls of PSR had long witnessed Christian activism. 
Queer God Squad Discusses How Rev. William R. Johnson’s 1972
William R. Johnson (sometimes referred to as Bill Johnson [2]) was the first openly gay minister to be ordained in a historic Protestant denomination. He received his ordination through the United Church of Christ (UCC) on June 25, in San Carlos, California. [3][4]. This video history of the Open and Affirming Coalition formerly the UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns is incomplete: it does not mention the leadership of transgender people in the Coalition or the General Synod resolution affirming the rights of transgender persons. From Sanctuary to Inclusion to Justice.
United Church of Christ · Shower of Stoles · LGBTQ Religious
Rev. William R. Johnson holds a pioneering place in religious history as the first openly gay man to be ordained by a mainstream Christian denomination in the United States in , namely the United Church of Christ. This groundbreaking act challenged theological and societal norms, paving the way for greater inclusivity within religious institutions. For. William R. Johnson became the first openly gay individual to be ordained in a mainstream Christian denomination on June 25, , when he became a minister in the UCC. 
Rev. Dr. William R. Johnson
The Rev. William R. Johnson is the first openly gay minister ordained in the United Church of Christ, and UCC members found the UCC Gay Caucus (later the Open and Affirming Coalition). The Rev. William R.
Proleptic Apologia and William R. Johnson's Ordination
The United Church of Christ was at the forefront of Christian LGBT+ inclusion - a historical legacy that is not all that surprising, considering that the UCC was also the first to ordain an African American minister and a female minister! William R. Johnson became the first openly gay individual to be ordained in a mainstream Christian denomination on June 25, , when he became a minister. . William Johnson
On June 25, , the United Church of Christ made history when William R. Johnson became the first openly gay man ordained to ministry in an historic Christian church. Bill’s ordination, by the Golden Gate Association in the Northern California/Nevada Conference, opened doors for a new generation of openly LGBTQ leaders in our church. . 
Bill Johnson 50th Ordination Anniversary — Southwest
Bill Johnson's spontaneous "coming out" to a packed crowd in a seminary dining hall changed his life and the course of LGBT movement history. .
‘Out and Faithful’ Event, Johnson Lecture to Pay Tribute to
Two events in October will celebrate Rev. Dr. William R. Johnson ’68, an Elmhurst University alumnus and the first openly gay person to be ordained by a mainline Christian denomination. .