Rev. June Norris stands as a pivotal figure in the history of the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), a denomination founded on radical inclusivity. As the first straight person & 2nd woman ordained in MCC, her leadership and unwavering commitment profoundly shaped the church’s mission and outreach.
After her nephew came out as gay to the divorced, 7th-day Adventist, Norris became a fierce advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She took her nephew to a new church in Los Angeles, the metropolitan community church, where she experienced God powerfully. She trained to become a pastor, served on staff at MCC-LA & then pastored churches in North Carolina & Iowa.
She preached a message of God’s unconditional love for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. Her work extended beyond the pulpit, actively engaging in social justice movements and offering solace during the AIDS crisis.
