Anglican Church in Brazil ordains its first homosexual priest
26 de January de 2025
By Letícia Misna – From Cenarium
MANAUS (AM) – The Episcopal Anglican Church in Caxias do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, has ordained its first openly homosexual priest, Auderli Sidnei Schroeder, 52. The ceremony took place on December 15th at the Virgin Mary Parish.
“A movie played in my head, especially being in a church where I have the freedom to be who I am. Christ used compassion; He never used judgment”, Schroeder said in an interview with the G1 news portal.
Schroeder, a native of Novo Hamburgo (RS), has been serving as a deacon in Caxias do Sul since 2022. His main work there focuses on including LGBTQIAPN+ individuals in the Christian community. “I believe that embracing the LGBTQ flag is the same as embracing Black people, Indigenous people, migrants, and other minorities”, he told a local TV station.
The priest stated that he has not experienced prejudice from the congregation, unlike the discrimination he faced throughout his life. “I heard that God condemned, killed, that I was going to hell, that I was dirty and filthy. It was always very painful to stay ‘in the closet.’ My bishop always knew I was gay, never asked about what I did, and it was never a scandal,” he said in interviews.
Since Auderli joined the parish, the church has placed an LGBTQIAPN+ flag inside the temple as a symbol of inclusion.
Anglicanism
The Anglican Church was founded in the 16th century in England and follows many Catholic principles, despite not being part of the Catholic Church. It also incorporates some Protestant doctrines, which is why it is often described as a “Catholic and Protestant Church.” Its spiritual leader (similar to “the Pope”) is the Archbishop of Canterbury.
In Brazil, Anglicanism began in the 19th century and is known today for allowing freedoms that other Christian denominations do not, such as ordaining homosexual and female priests, as well as permitting them to marry and work outside the church. Auderli Sidnei Schroeder, for instance, works as a tour guide. The religion also allows divorced individuals to remarry.
On social media, the Virgin Mary Parish made a post congratulating the new priest. “The community of Caxias rejoices in your victory in Christ and prays for your ministry in the Holy Church,” it stated.