Rev. Deana’s Historic Installation

Head shot of Rev. Deana waring a rainbow stole

Grace and peace, beloveds!

Here at MCC Toronto, we are thrilled to be planning the official installation of Rev. Deana Dudley (she/they) as Senior Pastor of the congregation. Rev. Dudley’s historic installation will be happening this Sunday, January 21 at 11 AM during our Worship Service.

The service will mark a new beginning in MCC Toronto’s history in a ceremonial way. It will also serve as a sacred reminder of the distinctive relationship between a community of faith and its spiritual leaders.

Denominational leader Rev. Elder Héctor Gutiérrez (he/him) will be travelling from Mexico to deliver a message during the installation.

Julie Michels (she/her) will be performing the original song Journey which she wrote in collaboration with Music Director Jason Jestadt (he/him). The Service will also feature the wonderful music of The Choir of MCC Toronto and the Soulful Worship and Praise (SWAP) Gospel Choir.

A native of Mill Valley, California, Rev. Dudley began pursuing vocational ministry in 1996 after a 15 year legal career. Before she joined MCC Toronto’s clergy team in 2009, Dudley served as pastor of Christos MCC in Toronto’s west end as well as the MCC congregation in London, ON.

Her passions include biblical studies and archaeology, justice work, mystical journeys of all kinds and gardening. She holds degrees from Dominican University (B.A., Hons), George Washington University (J.D), and Wesley Theological Seminary (M.Div., Hons).

Known as “Duke” to her friends, Deana met Janet Fitzsimmons, her wife of 10 years, here at MCC Toronto. The couple share a home with 3 cats and an energetic labradoodle named Lola. If you’ve been around MCC Toronto for very long time, you have mostly certainly met Janet and there’s a very good chance you’ve met Lola as well!

Deana steps into the Senior Pastor role as the first woman – and first lesbian – to hold the office in MCC Toronto’s 50-year history. Her predecessors – pictured below! – include Rev. Bob Wolfe (1973-1977, he/him). Rev. John Ayres (1977, he/him), Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes, C.M. (1977-2018, he/him), and Rev. Jeff Rock (2018-2023, he/him).

MAKE AN INSTALLATION GIFT IN CELEBRATION OF REV. DEANA HERE!

You can send Rev. Deana a congratulatory email HERE!

It’s going to be an extraordinarily special day, y’all! Please join us in-person or online HERE.

– Rev. Junia Joplin (she/her)
Associate Pastor, Programs & Congregational Care

PS: Read the Media Release sent out this morning announcing Rev. Deana’s installation below!

READ TODAY’S MEDIA RELEASE HERE!