Apr 06, 2007   | COMMENTS     

Since 1995, Rev. Dr. Candace Shultis has been the pastor of the Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, a place of worship and support for gay Christians. Shultis received her master’s of divinity and her doctorate of ministry degrees from D.C.’s Wesley Theological Seminary, and before joining the staff of MCC in 1983, she worked at two Methodist churches. Earlier in her life, Shultis was a member of the Marine Corps for three years working in an administrative capacity. She met her partner of almost 15 years at MCC when the church was housed at 415 M St. (now it’s located at 474 Ridge St., NW), and they currently live in Mt. Vernon Square. The reverend’s weekly message to her congregation is simple and clear but remains revolutionary — “affirming God’s love, sharing Christ’s message, serving in the spirit in joy.”

How long have you been out and who was the hardest person to tell?
I came out in 1978 toward the end of my seminary education. Unfortunately, I lost all of the years of high school, college and the Marine Corps! After me, the hardest person to tell was my father.
I was terribly afraid that he would tell me never to return home to western Massachusetts. Instead, he said, “I may not understand, but you will always be my daughter.”
I was so proud of him in that moment!

Who is your gay hero?
That would have to be Rev. Elder Troy D. Perry, the founder of MCC. If it weren’t for his heroism in founding a church, I would either still be in the closet in the United Methodist church or would have left the ministry.

What is Washington’s best
nightspot, past or present?
I’ve had my butt massaged at the Eagle (you’ll have to ask me about that story!), dined at the Lost and Found and at the “old” Eagle, danced at Remington’s and Tracks and shared conversation at the Phase, but I’m past the age of going out late much anymore!

If gay marriage were legal,
would you tie the knot?
I already have, in Toronto on August 16, 2003, and am a
registered domestic partner in D.C. And when it becomes legal in the United States, I’ll do it again — all with the same woman!

What non-gay issue are
you most passionate about?
We need to get out of Iraq!

What historical outcome
would you change?
The last two presidential elections.

What has been the most memorable pop culture moment in your lifetime?
The appearance of the Beatles
on “The Ed Sullivan Show”
(I’m showing my age here.).

On what reality TV show
would you fare best?
I watch game shows, not “reality” TV. Life is already real enough!
I would love to try my hand at either “Jeopardy” or “Deal or No Deal.”

What item of clothing has been in your closet since high school?
I’ve long outgrown all of those clothes and wouldn’t be caught dead wearing what I wore then, anyway.

If your life were a book,
what would the title be?
“If I Were to Do It Over Again, What I Wouldn’t Change”
 
trong>If science discovered a way
to change sexual orientation,
what would you do?
Encourage more folks to be gay!
I can’t even imagine and wouldn’t want to try to be straight!

What do you believe in
beyond the physical world?
You really are asking for a sermon, aren’t you. I believe that the world of Spirit is just beyond our ability to touch it. Sometimes I feel like I can reach out my hand as if through a curtain and enter it. I have experienced the presence of the Communion of Saints surrounding the people of God as we worship. I have absolutely no doubt that there is a life beyond this one, and although I am in no hurry, I look forward to experiencing it.

What would you order
for your last meal?
Filet mignon with a baked potato loaded down with butter and sour cream. For dessert, a chocolate ice cream sundae with chocolate syrup topped with whipped cream and chocolate sprinkles.

What would you walk
across hot coals for?
World peace.

What gay stereotype
annoys you most?
I’m really not annoyed by what
people might consider stereotypes. I love the diversity of our community in all of the ways it expresses itself.

What is the best gay film ever made?
I really don’t go to the movies ...