WATCH: Minnesota Presbyterians Ordain First Openly Gay Minister

Daniel Vigilante was ordained at a Minneapolis church on Saturday.

Sunnivie Brydum

Sunnivie is the managing editor of The Advocate, and an award-winning journalist whose passion is covering the politics of equality and elevating the unheard stories of our community. Originally from Colorado, she and her spouse now live in Los Angeles, along with their three fur-children: dogs Luna and Cassie Doodle, and "Meow Button" Tilly.

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Sunnivie Brydum

August 26 2013 2:21 PM EST

September 19 2017 4:55 AM EST

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The new minister of outreach at Trinity Community Church in Minneapolis is making personal and statewide history by becoming the first openly gay man ordained by the Presbyterian Church in Minnesota.

And while Daniel Vigilante's ordination is historic for the state's denomination, it also marks a long-sought victory for the clergyman, who first sought ordination 13 years ago but was rejected because of his sexual orientation, reports TV station KARE 11.

"This is just an enormous step for the Presbyterian Church and such a statement that the church is a place for everyone," Vigilante told KARE 11. "It's inclusive. It's for young and old and gay and straight. Men and women can be a part of it and be in full leadership."

Vigilante is one of roughly a dozen gay and lesbian clergy members ordained since the Presbyterian Church began accepting openly gay ministers in 2011, according to Towleroad.