Moderator of Largest LGBT Church: “Freedom and Equality Won!”  

Global leaders of the historic Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) praised the decisions of the Supreme Court today as it ruled on California’s Proposition 8 and the federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).

 “Freedom and equality won today as the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the US Constitution and every family,” said the Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson. “Children in California now know their families will be treated equally. Today, every American is free to live in the assurance that their loved ones will receive all benefits the US gives to any other family. As the head of MCC, a global church founded on the belief that all people are created equal before God and the law, I am thrilled that the Supreme Court decided that the US Constitution applies to all of us, regardless of our sexual orientation or gender identity.”

“We are committed to full equality for all people, and we will work for the full implementation of today’s Supreme Court rulings and for marriage equality around the world,” said Rev. Dr. Jim Merritt, Marriage Equality Director for MCC’s Public Policy Team.

Metropolitan Community Church’s history of marriage equality began in 1968 when the Rev. Troy Perry, founder of MCC, conducted the first, public same-gender wedding ceremony in the US. In 1970, Rev. Perry brought a lawsuit for marriage equality in California. MCC worked for decades, sponsoring weddings at Pride marches, protesting on Valentine’s Day in Justices of the Peace offices, and performing thousands of Holy Unions in their churches.

MCC will celebrate these decisions and move forward at its 25th General Conference in Chicago, Illinois, July 1-5, 2013. After 45 years of ministry and advocacy, the church continues to be on the cutting edge of ministry around the world. Known as “The Human Rights Church” in many countries, MCC will host U.S. Ambassador Daniel Baer and present the MCC human rights award to Bishop Christopher Senyonjo of Uganda, where he has fought the infamous “kill the gays” bill. MCC leaders will also celebrate the founding of their “Global Justice Institute,” in partnership with The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries. The Global Justice Institute is working with leaders in Asia, Africa and Latin America for equality for sexual minorities and all people who deserve justice.

Join us in 2013 as we Believe…

General Conference 2013 represents the 25th General Conference of the Metropolitan Community Churches where MCCers from around the globe will come together to worship and celebrate God’s all-inclusive love. Come and experience the diversity that makes MCC unique.

We use this time together to conduct our denominational business and provide educational opportunities through workshops and plenary sessions. If it is spiritual connection you are seeking, we also provide bible studies and numerous opportunities to worship together as a Global Community. And remember… all are welcome!

In 2010, we invited you to Imagine with us as we honored MCC’s strong history and looked forward to a prosperous future. Our theme for this conference is Believe. We invite you once again in 2013 to join us on an exciting journey of belief that together we will continue to make a difference in the world.

I’m praying not only for them
But also for those who will believe in me
Because of them and their witness about me.
The goal is for all of them to become one heart and mind—
Just as you, God, are in me and I in you,
So they might be one heart and mind with us.
Then the world might believe that you, in fact, sent me.
The same glory you gave me, I gave them,
So they’ll be as unified and together as we are—
I in them and you in me.
Then they’ll be mature in this oneness,
And give the world evidence
That you’ve sent me and loved them
In the same way you’ve loved me.

John 17:23, The Message

For more information about the conference, visit http://believe.mccchurch.org.