Editing Metropolitan Community Church

{{short description|International LGBT-affirming Protestant Christian denomination}}
{{Infobox Christian denomination
| name = Metropolitan Community Church
| image = Logo of the Metropolitan Community Churches.svg
| imagewidth = 200px
| caption = 
| main_classification = [[Protestant]]
| orientation = [[Mainline Protestant|Mainline]]
| polity = [[Congregationalist polity|Congregationalist]]
| founder = [[Troy Perry]]
| founded_date = 1968
| founded_place = [[Los Angeles]], [[California]], US
| separated_from =
| parent =
| merger =
| separations =
| leader_title        = Moderator
| leader_name         = Cecilia Eggleston
| associations =
| area = 20 countries
| congregations = 172
| members =
| website = {{URL|http://www.mccchurch.org/}}
| footnotes =
}}

The '''Metropolitan Community Church''' ('''MCC'''), also known as the '''Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches''' ('''UFMCC'''), is an international [[LGBT-affirming Christian denominations|LGBT-affirming]] [[mainline Protestant]] [[Christian denomination]]. 

The fellowship has Official Observer status with the [[World Council of Churches]]. The MCC was denied membership in the US [[National Council of Churches]] in 1992,<ref>Dennis Hevesi, [https://www.nytimes.com/1992/11/15/us/gay-church-again-rejected-by-national-council-group.html Gay Church Again Rejected By National Council Group] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115042921/http://www.nytimes.com/1992/11/15/us/gay-church-again-rejected-by-national-council-group.html |date=2018-01-15 }}, ''The New York Times'', 15 November 1992</ref> but many local MCC congregations are members of local [[ecumenical]] partnerships around the world and MCC currently belongs to several statewide councils of churches in the United States.<ref>[http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/metro_comm_church,2.html Metropolitan Community Church] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020081242/http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/metro_comm_church%2C2.html |date=2013-10-20 }} glbtq article</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Eccumenical Ministries|url=http://mccchurch.org/ministries/ecumenism-interreligious/partnerships/|work=UFMCC Official Website|publisher=UFMCC|access-date=2011-12-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120315030100/http://mccchurch.org/ministries/ecumenism-interreligious/partnerships/|archive-date=2012-03-15|url-status=live}}</ref> The MCC has also been considered to be [[Non-denominational Christianity|non-denominational]].<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=L89bCQAAQBAJ&dq=metropolitan+community+church+nondenominational&pg=PA26 | isbn=9780739194430 | title=Religion, Flesh, and Blood: The Convergence of HIV/AIDS, Black Sexual Expression, and Therapeutic Religion | date=6 May 2015 | publisher=Lexington Books }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=f6WdTUlpPigC&dq=metropolitan+community+church+nondenominational&pg=PA189 | isbn=9780252093173 | title=The Rise of Chicago's Black Metropolis, 1920-1929 | date=15 April 2011 | publisher=University of Illinois Press }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=b8nMCgAAQBAJ&dq=metropolitan+community+church+nondenominational&pg=PT227 | isbn=9781317618522 | title=Sexuality, Citizenship and Belonging: Trans-National and Intersectional Perspectives | date=23 October 2015 | publisher=Routledge }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=1RDYDwAAQBAJ&dq=metropolitan+community+church+nondenominational&pg=PA98 | isbn=9781496829146 | title=Coming Out of the Magnolia Closet: Same-Sex Couples in Mississippi | date=15 May 2020 | publisher=Univ. Press of Mississippi }}</ref><ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2RllEAAAQBAJ&dq=metropolitan+community+church+nondenominational&pg=PA219 | isbn=9780226824789 | title=Criminal Intimacy: Prison and the Uneven History of Modern American Sexuality | date=22 March 2022 | publisher=University of Chicago Press }}</ref>

According to a census of the association published in 2025, it would have 172 churches in 20 countries.<ref> Metropolitan Community Church, [https://visitmccchurch.com/our-churches/ Our churches], visitmccchurch.com, USA, accessed August 16, 2025</ref>

== History ==
The first congregation was founded in [[Huntington Park, California]], by former Pentecostal pastor<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=bOkPjFQoBj8C&dq=troy+perry+pentecostal&pg=PA942 | isbn=9781412976855 | title=Encyclopedia of Women in Today's World | date=23 February 2011 | last1=Stange | first1=Mary Zeiss | last2=Oyster | first2=Carol K. | last3=Sloan | first3=Jane E. }}</ref> [[Troy Perry]] on October 6, 1968.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bernadicou |first1=August |title=Troy perry: Interview |url= https://www.lgbtqhp.org/post/rev-troy-perry |website=The LGBTQ History Project |publisher=The LGBTQ History Project |access-date=6 February 2026}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|first=Troy |last=Perry |author-link=Troy Perry |title=The Lord Is My Shepherd and He Knows I'm Gay |publisher=Nash Publishing |date=1972}}</ref> This was a time when [[Homosexuality and Christianity|Christian attitudes toward homosexuality]] were almost universally unfavorable. The first congregation originally met in Perry's Huntington Park home. The church first gained publicity by ads taken out in ''[[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]]'' magazine. Perry declared the church was made up of born again believers.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wMlKDwAAQBAJ&dq=metropolitan+community+church+born+again&pg=PA257 | isbn=9781469636276 | title=Devotions and Desires: Histories of Sexuality and Religion in the Twentieth-Century United States | date=6 February 2018 | publisher=UNC Press Books }}</ref>

In 1969 the congregation had outgrown Perry's living room and moved to rented space at the [https://www.gfwc.org/club-directory/ Huntington Park Women's Club]. It was at this point in time membership in the church grew to about 200 people. Due to discrimination the church was forced to move, and had a hard time finding a permanent place. During this period during the spring and summer of 1969 the church moved first to the Embassy Auditorium, and then a United Methodist Church for two weeks. The church ended up renting out the Encore Theatre in Hollywood from 1969 through 1971.

Within months of the first worship service, Perry began receiving letters and visits from people who wanted to start Metropolitan Community Churches in other cities. MCC groups from eight US cities were represented at the first General Conference in 1970: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and [[Costa Mesa, California]]; Chicago, Illinois; Phoenix, Arizona; [[Kaneohe, Hawaii]]; and Dallas, Texas. An MCC group existed in Miami, Florida, but did not send a delegate.<ref name="ReferenceA">Four Historical Readings from 44 Years of MCC Ministry</ref>

The church had its final move to a building it purchased at 2201 South Union Avenue in Los Angeles in early 1971. The building was consecrated on March 7, 1971. MCC worshiped there until January 27, 1973, when the building was destroyed by what the [[LAFD|Fire Department]] called a fire "of suspicious origin".<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

During this early period of expansion, a congregation of the MCC formed in New Orleans. Services were initially held in the [[UpStairs Lounge]], a well-known gay bar. The church was struck by tragedy when the UpStairs Lounge suffered an arson attack in 1973. The Reverend Bill Larson and a number of parishioners were killed in the blaze.

In 1972 [[Freda Smith (clergy)|Freda Smith]] became the first female minister in MCC,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/metro_comm_church.html |title=Metropolitan Community Church |publisher=Glbtq.com |date=6 October 1968 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110524234619/http://www.glbtq.com/social-sciences/metro_comm_church.html |archive-date=24 May 2011}}</ref> and was the first woman elected to the Board of Elders in 1973 at the fourth general conference in Atlanta, when the Board of Elders was expanded from four members to seven.<ref name=issu-1973>{{cite journal |journal=In Unity |title=The Impossible Dream |url=https://issuu.com/mccchurches/docs/june---1974---in-unity |date=June 1974 |volume=IV |number=3 |publisher=Metropolitan Community Church |pages=7, 19 |access-date=October 30, 2017}}</ref> Later MCC adopted gender inclusive language in its worship services.<ref name="has.vcu.edu">{{cite web |url=http://www.has.vcu.edu/wrs/profiles/MetropolitanCommunityChurch.htm |title=Home |publisher=[[Virginia Commonwealth University]] |access-date=15 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213142600/http://www.has.vcu.edu/wrs/profiles/MetropolitanCommunityChurch.htm |archive-date=13 December 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref>

After opening churches in [[Toronto]], [[Canada]], and [[London]], [[England]], in 1973, the association became international in 1974.<ref> J. Gordon Melton, ''Encyclopedia of Protestantism'', Infobase Publishing, USA, 2005, p. 557</ref>  The largest presence is found in the United States, followed by Canada. 

[[File:TroyPerry2006-09-17.JPG|thumb|left|Perry at an MCC church in 2006]]
Perry served as [[Chairman|moderator]] of the fellowship until 2005, when [[Nancy Wilson (religious leader)|Nancy Wilson]] was elected moderator by the General Conference; she was formally installed in a special service at the [[Washington National Cathedral]] in Washington, DC, on October 29, 2005.<ref>{{cite web|title=UFMCC Fact Sheet |url=http://mccchurch.org/files/2009/08/MCC-FACT-SHEET_2011-Craig-Suggestions.pdf |work=FACT SHEET FOR METROPOLITAN COMMUNITY CHURCHES (MCC) |publisher=UFMCC |access-date=31 October 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511034111/http://mccchurch.org/files/2009/08/MCC-FACT-SHEET_2011-Craig-Suggestions.pdf |archive-date=11 May 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> She is only the second person, and the first woman, to serve as moderator.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mccchurch.org/overview/moderators-corner/ |title=Moderator's Corner &#124; Metropolitan Community Churches |publisher=Metropolitan Community Church |date=19 March 2013 |access-date=15 January 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226212444/http://mccchurch.org/overview/moderators-corner/ |archive-date=26 December 2013}}</ref>

In 2010, the first MCC congregation in Spain would be established in Madrid in October. If successfully established, the MCC would have been the first recognized church in Spain to officially solemnize same-sex marriages.<ref>Spain is country where the overwhelming majority of the population belongs to the [[Roman Catholic Church]], the former state church which refuses to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies or adoptions {{cite web|url=http://elmundo.orbyt.es/2010/07/03/elmundo_en_orbyt/1278171641.html |title=Llega a España la primera Iglesia gay |first=Olga R. |last=Sanmartín |publisher=[[El Mundo (Spain)|El Mundo]] |date=3 July 2010 <!-- 18:27 --> |language=es |access-date=1 August 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100815074725/http://elmundo.orbyt.es/2010/07/03/elmundo_en_orbyt/1278171641.html |archive-date=15 August 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100704/lf_afp/spainreligiongaysrights_20100704123620 |title=Spain to get church for same-sex marriages: report |author=[[Agence France-Presse]] |publisher=[[Yahoo! News]] |date=4 July 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100721191040/http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100704/lf_afp/spainreligiongaysrights_20100704123620 |archive-date=21 July 2010}}</ref> An MCC congregation was not permanently established in Madrid in 2010, it is unclear why however. In 2018, the first religiously affiliated same-sex wedding recorded in Spain was performed by a vicar of the [[Church of Sweden|Lutheran Church of Sweden]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Naylor |first=Mark |title=This European Country Has Just Had its First Gay Church Wedding |website=Culture Trip |date=30 May 2018 |access-date=27 December 2020 |url=https://theculturetrip.com/europe/spain/articles/this-european-country-has-just-has-its-first-gay-church-wedding/}}</ref> The Lutheran Church of Sweden and the MCC are in partial communion with each other and the vicar is stationed in Spain on a long term 5-year mission. Despite these facts he cannot legally officiate any wedding wherein either party is a Spanish citizen and can only perform ceremonies in which at least one participant is a Swedish citizen.<ref>{{Note|The reason for these seemingly odd regulations is that the Church of Sweden is a state entity whose ministers are employees of Sweden’s government}}</ref> Later that year an MCC congregation finally opened in Madrid. As of 2020, the MCC website describes their "emerging" congregation in Madrid as thriving and expanding. When or if this congregation has performed any LGBTQ weddings is unclear however.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mccchurch.org/overview/ourchurches/find-a-church/western-europe-church-listings/ |title=Europe Church Listings – Metropolitan Community Churches}}</ref>

In 2011 the Good Shepherd Parish of the MCC was inducted into the [[Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glhalloffame.org/index.pl?page=inductees&todo=year |title=Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame |access-date=10 January 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017032241/http://www.glhalloffame.org/index.pl?page=inductees&todo=year |archive-date=2015-10-17}}</ref>

According to a census of the association published in 2025, it would have 172 churches in 20 countries.<ref> Metropolitan Community Church, [https://visitmccchurch.com/our-churches/ Our churches], visitmccchurch.com, USA, accessed August 16, 2025</ref>

== Beliefs and practices ==
[[File:BaptismMCC.JPG|thumb|left|upright|Infant baptism in an MCC church]]
{{Christianity and sexual orientation}}

MCC bases its [[Christian theology|theology]] on the [[Christian creeds|historic creeds]] of the Christian Church, such as [[Apostles' Creed|Apostles']] and [[Nicene Creed|Nicene]] creeds. Every church is required to celebrate the [[Eucharist]] at least once a week, and to practice [[open communion]], meaning that recipients need not be a member of the MCC or any other church to receive the [[Eucharist]]. Beyond that MCC allows its member churches independence in [[Christian doctrine|doctrine]], practice, and [[Christian worship|worship]] as worship styles vary from church to church. The MCC is considered to be Bible-based<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NHt0DwAAQBAJ&dq=metropolitan+community+bible+church&pg=PT219 | isbn=9781317790457 | title=Queer Kids: The Challenges and Promise for Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth | date=24 October 2018 | publisher=Routledge }}</ref> and many pastors take a fundamentalist approach to scripture.<ref>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=YrXOCwAAQBAJ&dq=metropolitan+community+church+fundamentalist&pg=PA229 | isbn=9781317368151 | title=Encyclopedia of Homosexuality: Volume I | date=22 March 2016 | publisher=Routledge }}</ref>

MCC sees its mission being social as well as spiritual by standing up for the rights of minorities, particularly those of [[lesbian]], [[gay]], [[bisexual]], and [[transgender]] ([[LGBTQ]]) people. MCC has been a leading force in the development of [[queer theology]].<ref>Edward R. Gray, ''Gay religion By Scott Thumma'',  Alta Mira Press, 2005</ref>

Many local churches are also involved with other national and international campaigns, including [[Trade Justice]]<ref>E.g., MCC of North London: see [http://www.christianstogethercamden.org.uk/content/pages/documents/1185398730.doc "Camden Churches Fairtrade Directory July 2007"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008140724/http://www.christianstogethercamden.org.uk/content/pages/documents/1185398730.doc |date=2011-10-08 }}, retrieved October 2009</ref>{{Update after|2010|11}} and [[Make Poverty History]].

[[File: CommunionMCC.JPG|thumb| Communion at All God's Children MCC in Minneapolis, Minnesota, US]]

The MCC supports [[same-sex marriage]], and has performed the first church-based weddings for same-sex couples in the [[United Kingdom]].<ref>{{cite news|title=First church wedding for gay couple is held in UK|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/apr/14/first-church-wedding-gay-couple-uk|access-date=22 July 2015 |agency=[[Press Association]] |work=[[The Guardian]]|date=14 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722230609/http://www.theguardian.com/society/2014/apr/14/first-church-wedding-gay-couple-uk|archive-date=22 July 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> MCC's founder, [[Troy Perry]], performed the first public same-sex marriage in the United States in [[Huntington Park, California]], in 1969. In 1970, he filed the first lawsuit in the US seeking legal recognition for same-sex marriages. Perry lost that lawsuit but launched the debate over marriage equality in the US. Today, MCC congregations around the world perform more than 6000 same-sex union/marriage ceremonies annually.

[[Brent Hawkes]] and the [[Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto]] were key players in the legal action that ultimately brought same-sex marriage to Canada.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ontariocourts.on.ca/decisions/2003/june/halpernC39172.htm |title=Copy of the Court's Decision |publisher=Ontario Courts |access-date=2014-01-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031004526/http://www.ontariocourts.on.ca/decisions/2003/june/halpernC39172.htm |archive-date=2013-10-31 |url-status=live }}</ref>

A notable aspect of MCC's theology is its position on [[homosexuality and Christianity]], where it fully embraces and welcomes LGBT people. Indeed, the majority of members are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender, with many clergy being openly LGBT. MCC fully affirms the ministry of both men and women, seeing them as equal, and the past election of [[Nancy Wilson (religious leader)|Nancy Wilson]] as [[Chairman|Moderator]] makes MCC one of a small number of communions with female senior leadership.<ref>[http://www.mccchurch.org/Content/NavigationMenu/AboutUs/BoardandTeamListings/BoardofElders/BOEMembers/BOE_Members.htm List MCC Board of Elders as of 16 October 2009]{{dead link|date=January 2014}}</ref> The MCC also believes that abortion should be legal.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.mccchurch.org/statement-on-reproductive-justice-by-the-mcc-council-of-elders/ | title=Statement on Reproductive Justice by the MCC Council of Elders – Metropolitan Community Churches }}</ref>

In 2016, a new statement of faith<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mccchurch.org/download/core_documents/MCCCD-Statement-of-Faith-July-2016.pdf|title=Core Documents of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches: MCC Statement of Faith|last=Metropolitan Community Churches|date=July 5, 2016|website=Metropolitan Community Churches|access-date=22 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910004114/http://mccchurch.org/download/core_documents/MCCCD-Statement-of-Faith-July-2016.pdf|archive-date=10 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> was passed, almost unanimously, and was adopted at the 26th General Conference in Victoria, British Columbia. It is now considered one of the core documents of MCC, separate from its bylaws, as it is part of MCC formation and identity, but not part of its governance policies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mccchurch.org/mcccd/|title=MCC Core Documents|last=Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches|date=2016|website=Metropolitan Community Churches|access-date=22 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810041019/http://mccchurch.org/mcccd/|archive-date=10 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Governance and administration ==
=== Leadership ===
[[File:LogoMCC.JPG|thumb|Moderator [[Nancy Wilson (religious leader)|Nancy Wilson]] preaching at an MCC church in Minneapolis in 2008]]
[[File:OrdinationMCC.JPG|thumb|upright|Ordination of clergy by the laying on of hands]]
MCC is led by a Council of Elders (COE) and a Governing Board. The Council of Elders consists of a [[Chairman|Moderator]] and elders appointed by the Moderator, approved by the Governing Board, and affirmed by the General Conference. The COE has responsibility for leading the fellowship on matters of [[spirituality]], [[Mission (Christian)|mission]] development, and Christian witness. The Governing Board is made up of the Moderator, four Lay members and four Clergy members elected by General Conference, and is the legal [[board of directors|corporate board]] of the denomination, handling responsibility for [[financial]] and [[fiduciary]] matters.<ref name="UFMCC">{{cite web|title=ARTICLE V – GOVERNMENT, ORGANIZATION, AND OFFICERS|url=http://mccchurch.org/download/mccbylaws/UFMCC%20Bylaws%20as%20of%20June%202010.doc|work=UFMCC Bylaws as of June 2010|publisher=UFMCC|access-date=29 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508034621/http://mccchurch.org/download/mccbylaws/UFMCC%20Bylaws%20as%20of%20June%202010.doc|archive-date=8 May 2012}}</ref>

As of 2016, the Council of Elders includes Rachelle Brown (Moderator), [[Nancy Wilson (religious leader)|Nancy Wilson]], Ines-Paul Baumann, Pat Bumgardner, Tony Freeman, [[Darlene Garner]], Hector Gutierrez, Dwayne Johnson, Nancy Maxwell, Margarita Sánchez de Léon, Candace Shultis, and Mona West.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mccchurch.org/how-we-work/council-of-elders/council-of-elders-bios/|title=Council of Elders &#124; Metropolitan Community Churches|publisher=Metropolitan Community Church|access-date=August 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818231745/http://mccchurch.org/how-we-work/council-of-elders/council-of-elders-bios/|archive-date=August 18, 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> The Governing Board includes Rachelle Brown (Interim Moderator and Chair ''[[ex officio]]''), Joe Cobb, Victoria L. Burson, Miak Siew, and Dr. David L. Williams.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mccchurch.org/governing-board/about/board-members/|title=Board Members|last=Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches|date=2016|website=Metropolitan Community Churches|access-date=22 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160809071437/http://mccchurch.org/governing-board/about/board-members/|archive-date=9 August 2016|url-status=live}}</ref>

The elders serve as official representatives of the fellowship in the areas of public and community relations; provide oversight of and support to congregations; consult with churches on issues related to church development; and fulfill other ecclesial and ceremonial duties.<ref name="UFMCC"/>

In July 2019, a new Moderator and Governing Board were elected at the MCC General Conference in Orlando, Florida. The Moderator is Rev. Elder [[Cecilia Eggleston]]. The Governing Board consists of Rev. Marie Alford-Harkey, Rev. Alberto Nájera, Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, and Rev. Paul Whiting, representing Clergy, and Chad Hobbs, Clare Coughlin, James Chavis, and Mark Godette, representing Laity.

==== Moderators ====

* [[Troy Perry]] (1968–2005)
* [[Nancy Wilson (religious leader)|Nancy Wilson]] (2005–2016)
* Rachelle Brown (2016–2019, interim)
* [[Cecilia Eggleston]] (2019–present)

=== General Conference ===
Internationally, the government of the UFMCC is vested in the tri-annual General Conference, subject to the provisions of the fellowship Articles of Incorporation, its bylaws, or documents of legal organization.  The General Conference is authorized to receive the reports from the various boards, committees, commissions and councils of the fellowship.  Throughout its history the General Conference has met both in and outside of the continental United States, in places such as [[Sydney, Australia]], and [[Toronto]], Ontario, and [[Calgary]], Alberta, in [[Canada]].  The 2010 General Conference was held in [[Acapulco, Guerrero]], with future conferences occurring every three years.  The 2013 General Conference was held in Chicago, Illinois, US,<ref>{{cite web|title=RECORD OF ACTIONS|url=http://mccchurch.org/how-we-work/files/2010/01/Record-of-Actions-General-Conference-XXIV-Business-Meeting.pdf|work=GENERAL CONFERENCE XXIV BUSINESS MEETING|publisher=UFMCC|access-date=29 June 2010}}{{dead link|date=September 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> followed by Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, in 2016 and Orlando, Florida, US, in 2019.

===List of regions===
The worldwide church is administratively divided into seven regions, each of which are represented by an elder on the Council of Elders.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mccla.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/MCCLA-Membership-Handout.pdf |title=Welcome to Metropolitan Community Church Los Angeles' Membership/Inquirer's Class |access-date=2014-01-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719020900/http://www.mccla.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/MCCLA-Membership-Handout.pdf |archive-date=2013-07-19 }}</ref> Since the 2000s, many are further divided into sub-regional networks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mccchurch.org/connectnow/networks/network-leadership/ |title=Network Leadership |publisher=Metropolitan Community Church |date=2013-04-30 |access-date=2014-01-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226215356/http://mccchurch.org/connectnow/networks/network-leadership/ |archive-date=2013-12-26 |url-status=live }}</ref> 
* '''Region 1''': Region 1 Australia, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Western Canada (British Columbia, Yukon), China, Micronesia, Fiji, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, North Korea, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Eastern Russia, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sumatra, Taiwan, Thailand, Vanuatu, Vietnam and the United States (Alaska, California (Northern), Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming).
** Australasia Network
** Pacific Northwest Network
** Valley & Bay Area Network
** Asia & Pacific Islands Network
* '''Region 2''' – Canada (Manitoba and Nunavut), and the United States (Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas (Eastern), and Wisconsin).
** Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama Network
** Heartland Network
** North Central US Network
** South Gulf Coast Network
[[File:2019.11.20 Transgender Day of Remembrance, Washington, DC USA 324 03013 (49099844857).jpg|thumb|[[Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, D.C.|Metropolitan Community Church of Washington, DC]] sanctuary during the 2019 [[Transgender Day of Remembrance]]]]
* '''Region 3''' – Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Trinidad, Tobago, Turks & Caicos Islands, Virgin Islands and the United States (Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, the District of Columbia (Washington, DC).
** Northeast United States Network
** DC, Delaware, Maryland & Virginia Network
** Carolinas Network
[[File:Stuttgart - CSD 2009 - Parade - Salz der Erde.jpg|thumb|MCC of [[Stuttgart, Germany]], taking part the [[Christopher Street Day]] march in 2009]]
* '''Region 4''' – Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belgium, Benin, Botswana, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Denmark, Egypt, England, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greenland, Holland, Iceland, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Portugal, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sudan, Sweden, Syria, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, Wales, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
** Western Europe/United Kingdom Network
** African Network
* '''Region 5''' – Albania, Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Eastern Canada (Baffin Island, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec), Estonia, Georgia, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Moldova, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, The Czech Republic, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United States (Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia), Uzbekistan, Vojvodina.
** Central US East Network
** Canadian, Michigan & Windsor Network
* '''Region 6''' – Antarctica, Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela and the United States (Arizona, California (Southern), Nevada, New Mexico, and Texas (Southern).
** Southern California/Nevada Network
** Arizona, New Mexico & El Paso Network
** Southern Texas Network
** Ibero-America & Caribbean Network
* '''Region 7''' – Western Canada (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories), and the United States (Colorado, Florida, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas (Northern).
** North Florida Network
** Central Florida Network
** North Texas and Oklahoma Network
** South Florida Network

=== Local congregations ===
[[File:Pride London 2011 MCC banner.jpg|thumb|MCC of North London taking part in Pride London 2011]]
Each affiliated member church of MCC is a self-governing, legally [[Autonomous entity|autonomous]] body, is vested in its congregational meeting which exerts the right to control all of its affairs, subject to the provisions of the UFMCC Articles of Incorporation, bylaws, or documents of legal organization, and the General Conference. An ordained pastor provides spiritual leadership and administrative leadership as the moderator of a local church administrative body. In the United States and Canada the local church administrative body is usually called "board of directors". Each local congregation is required to send a [[tithe]] or assessment of income to UFMCC, currently set to reduce from 15% of income to 10% by 1% every two years stating in 2005.<ref>{{cite web|title=Article IX - Church Finances|url=http://mccchurch.org/download/mccbylaws/UFMCC%20Bylaws%20as%20of%20June%202010.doc|work=UFMCC Bylaws As Of June 2010|publisher=UFMCC|access-date=29 June 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120508034621/http://mccchurch.org/download/mccbylaws/UFMCC%20Bylaws%20as%20of%20June%202010.doc|archive-date=8 May 2012}}</ref>  Each local church elects its own pastor from the roster of MCC credentialed [[clergy]].

Each local congregation is free to determine matters of worship, practice, theology and ministry providing they meet certain basic requirements involving open access to communion and subscription to the traditional Christian creeds. Styles of worship include liturgical, charismatic, evangelical, traditional and modern—diversity is an important part of MCC.

==Controversies==
=== Cathedral of Hope disaffiliation ===
In 2003, a scandal occurred involving the flagship of the church, as well as the largest gay church in the world, [[Cathedral of Hope (Dallas)|Cathedral of Hope]], when former board member Terri Frey accused minister [[Michael S. Piazza]] of financial impropriety, an accusation that prompted the UFMCC to open an investigation. However, the investigation ended when the cathedral's membership voted to disaffiliate from UFMCC with 88% support. In 2006, the Cathedral of Hope was received into membership in the [[United Church of Christ]]. The split cost UFMCC 9% of its membership, and 7% of its annual operating budget. Church members, including copastor Mona West, claimed that the vote was less about the investigation and more about the congregation's long-simmering frustration with the denomination, including the opinion that the denomination was focused too much on gay issues and hampered their desire to reach out to Dallas residents disaffected by conservative churches; as church member Michael Magnia explained: "The tie with MCC was more about gays and lesbians. You're going to have a difficult time getting even progressive heterosexuals to come to a church that is anchored to a gay and lesbian church."<ref>{{cite news |first=John |last=Caldwell |title=When the rainbow isn't enuf: a disagreement over its gay focus splits the world's largest GLBT denomination from its biggest church |date=30 September 2003 |publisher=Liberation Publications, Inc. |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/When+the+rainbow+isn't+enuf%3A+a+disagreement+over+its+gay+focus+splits...-a0110917225 |work=[[The Advocate (LGBT magazine)|The Advocate]] |access-date=20 August 2010 |quote=church member Michael Magnia. "The tie with MCC was more about gays and lesbians. You're going to have a difficult time getting even progressive heterosexuals to come to a church that is anchored to a gay and lesbian church." |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151018142038/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/When+the+rainbow+isn't+enuf%3A+a+disagreement+over+its+gay+focus+splits...-a0110917225 |archive-date=18 October 2015 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== 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>

== Notable clergy ==
This list includes notable present and former clergy associated with MCC.

{{Div col|colwidth=15em}}
* [[James Ferry (priest)|James Ferry]]
* [[Darlene Garner]]
* [[Chris Glaser (activist)|Chris Glaser]]
* [[Bob Goss]]
* [[Brent Hawkes]]
* [[Troy Perry]] (founder)
* [[Marge Ragona]]
* [[Jeff Rock]]
* [[Robert Sirico]] (former MCC minister) 
* [[Rembert S. Truluck]]
* [[Jean White]]
* [[Mel White]]
* [[Nancy Wilson (religious leader)|Nancy Wilson]] (moderator as of 2005)
* [[Bob Wolfe (clergyman)|Bob Wolfe]]
{{Div col end}}

== See also ==
{{Portal|Christianity|LGBTQ|Religion}}
* [[:Category:Metropolitan Community Churches]]
* [[Inclusive church]]
* [[Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement]]
* [[New Pacific Academy]]
* [[Queer theology]]
* [[UpStairs Lounge arson attack]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://www.mccchurch.org/}}

{{Early U.S. gay rights movement}}
{{LGBTQ}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Metropolitan Community Churches| ]]
[[Category:Liberal Christianity denominations]]
[[Category:International LGBTQ organizations]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1968]]
[[Category:1968 establishments in California]]
[[Category:1968 in LGBTQ history]]
[[Category:LGBTQ history in California]]
[[Category:LGBTQ history in the United States]]
[[Category:Christian new religious movements]]
[[Category:Christian denominations founded in the United States]]
[[Category:Affirming Christian denominations in the United States]]