Editing Metropolitan Community Church (section)

=== Blessing of same-sex unions in Philippines ===

In June 2011, the Metropolitan Community Church of [[Baguio]] solemnized the union of one gay couple and seven lesbian couples at a bar called Ayuyang Bar. This is the first MCC Baguio ceremony that has agitated the Philippines' mainstream evangelical churches.

MCC Baguio is a local chapter of the MCC in [[Quezon City]], which ministers to homosexuals. Pastor Myke Sotero of MCC Baguio stated that the service was a "Christian celebration of love and relationship". The rites are not considered marriage since the Philippine government does not recognize [[gay marriage]]. Couples who participated in the union were also criticized by local church leaders.<ref>{{cite news|title=Same-sex unions stir Baguio City|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/18056/same-sex-unions-stir-baguio-city|access-date=August 23, 2016|agency=Philippine Daily Inquirer|publisher=Desiree Caluza|date=June 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729160558/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/18056/same-sex-unions-stir-baguio-city|archive-date=July 29, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>