Bishop Terry Villaire

May 8, 2021

On Saturday May 8, Bishop Terry Villaire, passed from this life to his heavenly home.

Bishop Terry was a pioneer in the early days of LBBTQ spirituality in Wilton Manors. Bishop Terry was the Founding Pastor of Holy Angels National Catholic Church in 1996. Holy Angels was formed to proclaim, “Love Without Judgment” and to provide a spiritual home for LGBTQ Christians.

Prior to establishing the church, Bishop Terry worked as a hospital chaplain after leaving Michigan and moving to Florida. He was consecrated a Bishop in 2005 and served several years as the Presiding Bishop of the National Catholic Church of North America. He became Presiding Bishop Emeritus in July of 2016, and Pastor Emeritus of Holy Angels in December of 2017.



Bishop Terry has been with his partner John for 40 years, legally getting married in 2015. He has served the greater Ft. Lauderdale community for about 40 years. Serving all people regardless of creed, sexual orientation or race. Under his leadership, the church was quick to respond in service to those affected by AIDS and HIV, being a supporter for Shadowwood, a home where people could live with dignity. Over the past several decades many in our community have found peace and spiritual healing through Bishop Terry’s ministry.

Bishop Terry provided an opportunity for those called to priestly service to the People of God but not accepted by other denominations to answer God’s call. Many clergy found a home in the National Catholic Church, and through their renewed ministry served as a blessing to the people of God. He truly was a pastor’s pastor.

All arrangements made by Guiding Light Cremations and Funerals