Rev. Ajith Philip Ebenazer W

I became an ordained minister online not as a matter of convenience, but as a response to a calling that refused to be silenced. For a long time, I lived at the intersection of faith and identity, often made to feel that being a gay man and a person of faith were incompatible. Yet, deep within me, there was an unshakable sense that spirituality is not meant to exclude, but to embrace. The more I reflected, the more I realized that my journey itself could become a ministry, one that speaks to those who have been pushed to the margins.

Choosing online ordination was both practical and symbolic. It provided an accessible path to formalize my calling without being hindered by institutional barriers that often marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals. More importantly, it allowed me to reclaim a space that has historically denied people like me. I did not want to wait for acceptance; I wanted to embody it.

As a gay pastor, my ministry is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and justice. I aim to create safe spiritual spaces where people can encounter faith without fear, where their identities are not questioned but celebrated. My ordination is not just a title, it is a commitment to serve, to heal, and to remind others that they are worthy of love, both human and divine.

Madurai, India

With my online ordination, I hope to build a ministry that centers on inclusion, healing, and authenticity. My primary aim is to create a safe and affirming spiritual space where people, especially those from marginalized communities, can explore their faith without fear, guilt, or rejection. I want individuals to feel seen and valued, not in spite of who they are, but fully because of who they are.

I also hope to challenge the long-standing notion that faith and identity must exist in conflict. As a gay pastor, I want my presence itself to become a quiet yet powerful testimony that spirituality can be compassionate, expansive, and deeply human. Through my ministry, I aspire to offer guidance, counseling, and support to those who have been hurt or excluded by religious institutions, helping them rediscover a sense of belonging and peace.

Beyond individual care, I hope to contribute to a broader cultural shift within faith communities by advocating for acceptance, dignity, and justice. My ordination is not just a personal milestone; it is a commitment to serve with integrity, to uplift others, and to embody a message of love that does not exclude. Ultimately, I hope to inspire others to embrace both their faith and their identity without fear or compromise.