Rev. Steve Pieters
August 2, 1952 – July 8, 2023

From Troy Perry
Rev. Steve Peters went home to be with the Lord last night, July 8, 2023. He was originally Presbyterian Clergy when he came to terms with being a gay man. He joined Metropolitan Community Church and soon after was ordained by our movement.

Steve was the first person in our denomination who came out of the closet about having HIV/AIDS. Soon after he became ill and almost died I met with his mother and father and we discussed his funeral. But unbeknownst us, God performed a miracle! When he was released from the hospital. He was immediately invited to appear on a national television show with Tammy Faye Baker. He was one of the first members of the gay community to speak on an evangelical TV show and the very first clergy on American television to talk about AIDS.

He was named by our denomination as Director of AIDS ministry, and held that job until HIV/AIDS changed from being a death sentence for so many people to being considered by our government as a chronic illness, but could be controlled.

The last time I got to talk to Steve was about a month ago. I told him he was in our thoughts and prayers. He had shared with me previously that he had stage four cancer, and was not expected to live.

As I said, last night Steve ended his journey home. I can hear God saying to Steve, “Well done, my good and faithful servant! “

Please remember Steve’s many friends and family in your prayers.