Highlights of White House event for U.S.-based LGBT leaders

LEADERSHIP ADVISORY
from the MCC Communications Department
You may forward, share, reprint or reproduce this information.

MONDAY . June 29, 2009
Here's a brief follow-up of the highlights of today's White House event for U.S.-based LGBT leaders.

______________________________

Two-hundred LGBT leaders attended today's White House reception hosted by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, including four members of Metropolitan Community Churches: Rev. Elder Darlene Garner and her partner, Rev. Candy Holmes, and Rev. Elder Troy Perry and his spouse, Phillip Ray De Blieck.
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The President reaffirmed his campaign commitments to the LGBT community and told the group not to judge him on his promises, that at the end of his term, if judged on the things he has accomplished, the LGBT community will judge him well. He reaffirmed his commitment to overturning DOMA and DADT and he endorsed ENDA. Darlene said he was emphatic in his commitment: "He didn't give us campaign promises, he gave us his word and his pledge."
______________________________

The President and First Lady entered the East Room and were walking toward the stage when they stopped and walked over to greet Troy by name. Troy wanted to be sure the President connected with MCC and said, "I'm with Metropolitan Community Churches." Obama replied that he was very familiar with the work of Metropolitan Community Churches. Troy then said, "I want you to meet Phillip, my husband of 24 years, Today is his birthday." They both congratulated Phillip and the First Lady gave him a hug and a kiss.
______________________________

Darlene Garner and her partner, Rev. Candy Holmes, had a few private minutes with the President before the event began. Candy is a federal employee and will be testifying before Congress on July 8 concerning equal benefits for LGBT federal workers.
______________________________

The President and Michelle stayed for an extended time and talked one-on-one with the attendees.
______________________________

At least one third of those present were people of color.
______________________________

Troy has been to the White House five times -- he said he had never seen a U.S. president who was so comfortable with and among the LGBT community.

(END)

Jim Birkitt
Communications Director
Metropolitan Community Churches
P. O. Box 691728
West Hollywood, California 90069
E-mail: info@MCCchurch.net and UFMCCHQ@aol.com

New Hampshire Becomes 6th U.S. State

A LEADERSHIP ADVISORY
The Communications Department
of Metropolitan Community Churches
www.MCCchurc.org . info@MCCchurch.net

June 3, 2009

New Hampshire Becomes 6th U.S. State
To Legalize Same-Gender Marriage
MCC Leader Hails "Advancement In Bringing Equality Under The Law To All People"

New Hampshire today became the sixth U.S. state to legalize same-sex marriage, after a bill enacted by both the state House and Senate was signed into law by Governor John Lynch.

"Today we're standing up for the liberties of same-sex couples by making clear they will receive the same rights, responsibilities and respect under New Hampshire law," Lynch said before signing the bill. Lynch said it was a New Hampshire tradition "to come down on the side of individual liberties and protections and that tradition continues today."

Rev. Nancy L. Wilson, moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, hailed the decision. "We are celebrating with the people of New Hampshire and with LGBT couples across that state at the news of today's advancement in bringing equality under the law to all people. This action heartens people of goodwill everywhere to redouble our efforts on behalf of justice and equality, in general, and marriage equality, in particular."

Metropolitan Community Churches has supported marriage equality for four decades. In 1969, MCC Founder Rev. Troy Perry performed the first public same-sex marriage in the United States. In 1970, he filed the first lawsuit seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriages. The courts dismissed that case, but it launched the international movement for marriage equality.

Same-gender marriage is now legal in six U.S. states -- Vermont, Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, all of the new England states, except Rhode Island -- and in Iowa.

# END #


A BRIEF HISTORY OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY AND MCC:

For 40 years, MCC has been at the forefront of the marriage equality movement. In 1969, MCC's Founder Rev. Troy Perry performed the first public same-sex marriage in the United States in Huntington Park, California. In 1970, he filed the first lawsuit in the U.S. seeking legal recognition of same-gender marriages. That case was dismissed, but it served to launch the marriage equality movement in the United States. In 1975, Rev. Freda Smith performed the first U.S. same-sex wedding conducted with a civil marriage license in Denver, Colorado, for Richard Adams and Anthony Sullivan. Their marriage is still listed on the Colorado Bureau of Records website. In 1994, MCC's Rev. Roberto Gonzalez performed the first mass lesbian-gay blessing of couples in South America at the ILGA in Rio. In 2001, Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes of MCC Toronto performed Canada's first legal same-sex wedding under Canada's ancient law of the Reading of the Bann's. In 2003, Supreme Court of Ontario upheld MCC Toronto's legal case -- making same-gender marriage legal throughout Canada. Rev. Troy Perry and his spouse, Phillip Ray De Blieck, were legally married under Canadian law in July of 2003. In 2002, MCC members Alejandro Soria and Oscar Benitez became the second couple in Latin America -- and the first clergy couple -- to be united under Buenos Aires' Civil Union provision. In 2004, Rev. Troy Perry and his spouse sued the County of Los Angeles seeking the specific legal recognition of their Canadian marriage and the general recognition of same-gender marriages under California constitutional law. In 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled in favor of Rev. Perry's lawsuit, making marriage equality the law in California. 18,000 same-sex couples were legally married before California voters revoked marriage equality in the Prop. 8 vote in November of 2008. Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas serves as president of the interfaith California Faith for Equality, which represents 6000 faith leaders and organizations in California. MCC members have been at the forefront of the marriage equality movements in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, South Africa and the United States.


Jim Birkitt
Communications Director
Metropolitan Community Churches
Tel. (310) 625-4177
E-mail: info@MCCchurch.net

MCC UPDATE: Prop. 8, California, Marriage Equality & MCC

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27, 2009 . Los Angeles
_____________________________________

AN UPDATE
from the MCC Communications Department

The following reports and info received as of 3 PM Pacific Time on Wednesday.

See "A Brief History of MCC and Marriage Equality" at the end of this message.

-- The major breaking news today came in a joint press conference in West Hollywood by well-known lawyers Ted Olson and David Boies. They have filed a lawsuit in the U.S. federal courts seeking a ruling that California's Prop. 8 violates the U.S. constitutional rights of California's LGBT community. That these highly successful and polar opposite attorneys have joined to fight for LGBT rights is especially significant -- Olson is a former Bush administration Solicitor General who represented the Bush campaign before the U.S. Supreme Court in the 2000 presidential election, and Boies represented by Gore campaign in the same Supreme Court case. It will be interesting to follow this case; activists are divided on whether the timing is right to put this case in the federal courts.

-- More than 5000 people took part in a public rally in West Hollywood last night, including Rev. Troy Perry, Rev. Neil Thomas and numerous MCCers. The rally shut down streets throughout Los Angeles and the crowd marched from West Hollywood to Hollywood.

-- Three MCC clergy -- Rev. Leah Brown, Rev. Jeff Bert, and Rev. Dr. Penny Nixon, along with members of MCCSF, were arrested during a peaceful, civil disobedience demonstration on Tuesday. Rev. Brown, pastor of MCC San Francisco, was also quoted in the San Francisco Chronicle and on KCRA TV. http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/05/26/BAT817R2QD.DTL&tsp=1 and http://www.kcra.com/politics/19565488/detail.html. MCC will release a public media statement in support of the arrested protestors on Wednesday afternoon.

-- Resurrection MCC (Houston, Texas), where Rev. Dwayne Johnson is pastor, held a public rally on Tuesday evening in support of marriage equality. http://blogs.houstonpress.com/hairballs/2009/05/prop_8_houston_protest.php

-- MCC El Paso (Texas), where Rev. Kati Houts is interim pastor, took part in a public rally in solidarity with California's LGBT community. The story was covered by the El Paso press. http://www.newspapertree.com/features/3866-gay-marriage-supporters-rally-in-downtown-el-paso

-- Rev. Clinton Crenshaw was a featured speaker at the Day of Decision Rally in New Orleans on Tuesday evening. Rev. Crenshaw is pastor of Big Easy MCC in New Orleans; the church's motto is "Be celebrated... not tolerated!"

-- MCC San Jose (California), where Rev. Michael Patrick Ellard is pastor, opened the doors of their church on May 26 and 27 for the LGBT community to gather for prayer and support.

-- Rev. Lisa Heilig, interim pastor, and Church of the Trinity MCC (Sarasota, Florida) organized a Day of Decision event at which MCC's Moderator, Rev. Nancy Wilson, was a featured speaker.

-- Members of MCC of San Diego, where Rev. Dan Koeshall is pastor, took part in the city's peaceful Day of Decision Rally and March last night.

-- MCC's press statement included quotes by Rev. Nancy Wilson, MCC moderator, and Rev. Pat Bumgardner, chair of MCC's Social Justice Team. Thanks to Rev. Jim Merritt, MCC's marriage equality coordinator, for his excellent work on this project.

-- Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas, president of the statewide, interfaith California Faith for Equality, has been providing a public face and voice for people of faith who support marriage equality. He took part in a press conference and public events throughout the day on Tuesday, and released a public statement to the media through California Faith for Equality. http://cffenewsblog.blogspot.com/2009/05/california-faith-for-equality-decision.html (Our special thanks and congratulations to Neil, who also received his doctoral degree from San Francisco Theological Seminary this past weekend. RevNeil@mccla.org)

-- Rev. Troy Perry took part in a press conference at the offices of attorney Gloria Allred, was interviewed by the Associated Press and Religion News Service, and took part in public rallies and events on Tuesday. On Wednesday evening, he will participate in a public demonstration at the Beverly Hills Hilton where U.S. President Obama will be attending a private fundraising event and will be a speaker at the "Meet in the Middle" rally in Fresno, California, on Saturday..

-- The California Supreme Court released its decision upholding Prop. 8 at 10 AM Pacific Time on Tuesday. The denomination of MCC released its public response to the media at 10:08 am and Rev. Troy Perry's media response at 10:12 am.

NOTE: If you know of other MCC congregations that participated in Day of Decision rallies, or which received media coverage of such events, please send details to the MCC Communications Department at info@MCCchurch.net.


A BRIEF HISTORY OF MARRIAGE EQUALITY AND MCC:

For 40 years, MCC has been at the forefront of the marriage equality movement. In 1969, MCC's Founder Rev. Troy Perry performed the first public same-sex marriage in the United States in Huntington Park, California. In 1970, he filed the first lawsuit in the U.S. seeking legal recognition of same-gender marriages. That case was dismissed, but it served to launch the marriage equality movement in the United States. In 1975, Rev. Freda Smith performed the first U.S. same-sex wedding conducted with a civil marriage license in Denver, Colorado, for Richard Adams and Anthony Sullivan. Their marriage is still listed on the Colorado Bureau of Records website. In 1994, MCC's Rev. Roberto Gonzalez performed the first mass lesbian-gay blessing of couples in South America at the ILGA in Rio. In 2001, Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes of MCC Toronto performed Canada's first legal same-sex wedding under Canada's ancient law of the Reading of the Bann's. In 2003, Supreme Court of Ontario upheld MCC Toronto's legal case -- making same-gender marriage legal throughout Canada. Rev. Troy Perry and his spouse, Phillip Ray De Blieck, were legally married under Canadian law in July of 2003. In 2002, MCC members Alejandro Soria and Oscar Benitez became the second couple in Latin America -- and the first clergy couple -- to be united under Buenos Aires' Civil Union provision. In 2004, Rev. Troy Perry and his spouse sued the County of Los Angeles seeking the specific legal recognition of their Canadian marriage and the general recognition of same-gender marriages under California constitutional law. On December 21, 2005, Rev. Debbie Gaston and her spouse, Elaine, became the first same-sex couple married under England's civil partnership law. In 2008, the California Supreme Court ruled in favor of Rev. Perry's lawsuit, making marriage equality the law in California. 18,000 same-sex couples were legally married before California voters revoked marriage equality in the Prop. 8 vote in November of 2008. Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas serves as president of the interfaith California Faith for Equality, which represents 6000 faith leaders and organizations in California. MCC members have been at the forefront of the marriage equality movements in Argentina, Australia, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, South Africa and the United States.
________________________________

For Additional Information, Contact:

Jim Birkitt
Communications Director
Metropolitan Community Churches
P. O. Box 691728
West Hollywood, California 90069
E-mail: info@MCCchurch.net

MCC Responds to California Supreme Court Marriage Ruling

PUBLIC STATEMENT
From Metropolitan Community Churches

Denomination of Metropolitan Community Churches Responds
To Mixed Decision By California Supreme Court
Ruling Upholds 18,000 Same-Sex Marriages in California

The denomination of Metropolitan Community Churches expresses its deep disappointment at today’s decision by the California Supreme Court upholding Proposition 8 and prohibiting same-sex marriages in the state.

Rev. Nancy Wilson, moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches said, “While we celebrate with the 18,000 same-sex couples whose marriages will stand, we are deeply saddened by the court’s decision to allow legalized discrimination against same-gender families. We will continue to work and pray for the day when all citizens are assured the blessings of equality and justice.”

Leaders and members of Metropolitan Community Church have been involved in the struggle for Marriage Equality for four decades, among them MCC Founder Rev. Troy Perry, who performed the first public same-sex wedding in the United States in 1969, and Rev. Dr. Neil Thomas, senior pastor of MCC Los Angeles and president of California Faith for Equality.

Rev. Pat Bumgardner, senior pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of New York City said, “The decision of the California Supreme Court today essentially mandates segregation within the LGBT community, and that is not only legally unacceptable, it is immoral. What I want both those who support marriage equality and those who oppose it to know is that we as a people will not give up until full equality is achieved, and that it will be achieved. This battle is not over and won't be over until we are celebrating full equality across these United States."

MCC encourages non-violent responses to today’s decision. Public events are planned across the United States at which members of the community can respond to the court's ruling. For more information about these events, please visit www.dayofdecision.com.

Metropolitan Community Churches continues to stand for Marriage Equality and for full equality and justice for all people both in the United States and around the world. For additional information about MCC, visit www.MCCchurch.org.


For Further Information, Contact:
Rev. Jim Merritt
Marriage Equality Coordinator for MCC’s Global Justice Team
Metropolitan Community Churches
E-mail: revjim@thecommunityactivist.com
Web: www.MCCchurch.org
This message prepared in conjunction with the Global Justice Team of Metropolitan Community Churches, The Reverend Pat Bumgardner, chair.

Rev. Troy D. Perry, MCC Founder, Responds to California Same-Sex Marriage Decision

MEDIA STATEMENT

From Rev. Troy D. Perry

Founder, Metropolitan Community Churches

RESPONSE TO CALIFORNIA MARRIAGE RULING

STATEMENT:

Today, I am adding my voice to the voices of people of goodwill everywhere who are deeply disappointed that the California Supreme Court has failed to uphold marriage equality for California's citizens.

It is ironic that the same court that ruled in favor of marriage equality last year has now denied that same right in today's ruling.

My forty years of work on behalf of human rights and social justice offer hope that today's ruling, while a setback for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender couples, is only a temporary setback in the quest for full equality under the law for all of our citizens.

The silver lining in the court's ruling is that the 18,000 same-sex couples who were legally married before the adoption of Proposition 8 will continue to have full marriage equality under the law.

I am joining hands with civic, political and faith leaders to redouble our efforts to guarantee marriage equality for all of our state's citizens and to pursue every possible option to achieve that goal at the earliest possible date.

# END #

For Additional Information or Media Interviews, Contact:

Jim Birkitt

Communications Director

Metropolitan Community Churches

P.O. Box 691728

West Hollywood, California 90069

Tel. (310) 625-4177

E-mail: info@MCCchurch.net

Iglesias de la Comunidad Metropolitana (ICM) Anuncia Cambios Estructurales

Carta Pastoral de parte de la
Junta de Obispas y Obispos de las
Iglesias de la Comunidad Metropolitana
_______________________________________________________

La esperanza marcará el cambio en medio de la Paradoja:
ajustando el curso para el ministerio futuro
"Porque conozco los planes que tengo para ustedes", dice Dios...(CLICK AQUÍ para mayor información sobre las estadísticas de la iglesia)
les doy un futuro lleno de esperanza".
- Jeremías 29:11
_____________________________________________________
Uno de los más recientes himnos de la iglesia se llama, "Cambia a tu iglesia, oh Dios". El cambio nos reta; nos ayuda a crecer; nos dispone para nuevos capítulos en nuestras vidas y en nuestros ministerios.

El cambio puede ser de enormes proporciones. Quizás has visto la caricatura de Dilbert en la que dice, "¡El cambio es fácil!. Tú vas primero."

La Junta de Obispas y Obispos reunidos recientemente en Austin, Texas, y batallando en el cómo compartir con ustedes nuestra profunda verdad y nuestros corazones durante este tiempo de gran reto global.

Primero, hemos estado lidiando con una paradoja:

1) ICM es más fuerte, más estable y con mejor salud que antes en su historia: la asistencia ha estado firme y creciendo (CLICK AQUÍ para mayor información sobre las estadísticas de la iglesia), el trabajo de Justicia Global de ICM esta disparándose, hay mayor interés y necesidad del ministerio y del mensaje de ICM que en cualquier otro momento anterior; el impacto de ICM en los derechos humanos continua creciendo; no tenemos una deuda significante como denominación y tenemos importantes inversiones (aun con los retos por los eventos económicos recientes); más que en cualquier otro momento de nuestra historia, clérigos de otras denominaciones están preguntando como ser parte de nuestro ministerio; y una nueva generación de activistas nos está retando y cambiando.

2) Al mismo tiempo que estamos llamados para hacer más, la actual crisis económica ha afectado adversamente nuestra habilidad financiera para apoyar y cumplir nuestra misión. Los diezmos a las iglesias y a la denominación no han estado consistentemente alto como las necesidades para apoyar nuestra estructura actual. Como individuos, como iglesias y como Fraternidad, estamos teniendo significativamente menos recursos para realizar el trabajo al cual estamos llamados. Reconociendo el peligroso estado de la economía mundial y con la concepción de que tenemos que hacer más con menos, la Junta Administrativa ha pedido que reduzcamos el presupuesto otros $250,000 USD. Esto significa que debemos hacer grandes cambios y decisiones acerca de cómo responder al llamado único de ICM en nuestro mundo con menos recursos y sin perder la fe. Tenemos el sentimiento de que como iglesias locales tenemos que llegar a romper el tamaño de nuestras barreras. ICM, como un todo, ha luchado por rebasar la "barrera de los 300" en el número de iglesias. Mientras respondemos a nuestras realidades económicas, no queremos regresar a los viejos caminos, o regresar al "tiempo pasado que fue mejor". No queremos dejar que el miedo nos detenga o lleve a atrás en los niveles del "Ciclo de Cambio". Queremos encontrar la salud y los caminos justos para organizarnos y movernos adelante para las nuevas décadas de ministerio y cree que nuestra fe y futuro son muchos más fuertes que las circunstancias actuales.

hemos estado enfrentando algunos de estos temas por años; en este sentido, la actual situación económica nos ha llevado a tomar decisiones que nos lleven al "tamaño adecuado" de nuestro liderazgo denominacional;

1) La Junta de Obispas y Obispos pone el ejemplo del sacrificio necesario para el "tamaño adecuado" de nuestro liderazgo denominacional. A partir del 1° de agosto de 2009, y por los próximos 18 meses, reduciremos el tamaño de la Junta de Obispas y Obispos y tendremos 4 Obispas y Obispos Regionales que servirán a las 7 Regiones de ICM. Así es como esto se logrará: El término de la oficina de la Obispa de la Región 4 ha sido reducido. La Rev.Obispa Glenna Shepherd terminará su periodo como Obispa de la Región 5 el día ultimo de Julio de 2009, y el puesto de la Obispa Regional de la Región 4 quedará vacante. La Rev. Obispa Arlene Ackerman, después de 17 años de servicio continuo en el liderazgo denominacional de Ias Iglesias de la Comunidad Metropolitana, no quiere ir por otro período como Obispa Regional. Dejaremos la posición de Obispa de la Región 3 vacante por el momento. No encontramos palabras adecuadas para agradecer a las Obispas Glenna y Arlene, ambas continuaran sirviendo a nuestra fraternidad y serán compañeras de la Junta de Obispas. Quiero también expresar mi firme confianza en las cuatro Obispas quienes nos guiarán durante los 18 siguientes meses - Rev. Obispa Darlene Garner, Rev. Obispa Diane Fisher, Rev. Obispa Lillie Brock y Rev. Obispo Ken Martin - y por afirmar su llamado y ministerio "en tiempos como estos". CLICK AQUÍ para tener una idea de la forma en que trabajará cada uno de los cuatro.

2) Todas las Iglesias en todas las Regiones serán atendidas por una Obispa para la atención y conexión, incluyendo la conexión y relación con ICM. Las Obispas trabajaran a través de los nuevos Equipos Regionales para ayudar a desarrollar o mantener a las iglesias con una atención significante y conexión entre los líderes y congregaciones. Sabemos que el ser parte de ICM es una dimensión de vital importancia y que se ha perdido en algunos casos. Para ver el nuevo modelo de la cobertura para las Obispas(o), CLICK AQUI.

3) Además, las cuatro Obispas(o) Regionales trabajarán principalmente con las Iglesias de acuerdo a los temas y necesidades creadas por el tamaño de la congregación. CLICK AQUÍ para más información.

Con la partida de nuestra Directora Ejecutiva (ver la carta que viene más adelante) continuaremos reconfigurando nuestro personal y las estructuras de responsabilidad. De nuevo, la Rev. Dr. Cindi Love ha realizado una contribución inestimable para la vida y salud de nuestra denominación sobre los más de cuatro años, sabemos que ella continuará ofreciendo sus dones para y a través de ICM. En este periodo interino, la Junta de Obispas(o) trabajará muy unida con la Junta Administrativa para asegurar una transición suave y ayudarnos con los asuntos administrativos de nuestra denominación.

Esto es lo que continuará siendo igual:

1. Los valores, misión y visión para el futuro de ICM, nuestra fe en el Dios que nos llamó hace 40 años.

2. Cada iglesia tendrá una Obispa(o) que servirá en su Región y supervisará la atención, conexión y funciones judiciales.

3. Juntas, las Obispas(o) ofrecerán el liderazgo espiritual.

4. Continuaremos planeando nuestra emocionante Conferencia General en Acapulco, México en 2010.

5. El Equipo de Revisión de Nuestra Estructura continuará realizando su trabajo para llevar propuestas a la Conferencia General.

6. Construiremos en el excelente trabajo de nuestra Directora Ejecutiva sobre la responsabilidad financiera, en la reestructuración del personal, desarrollo de recursos y servicios, y la expansión de nuestra misión.

7. Continuaremos trabajando en asociación con la Junta Administrativa de ICM mientras vamos por este camino de transición, y continuaremos ofreciendo información con transparencia y responsabilidad.

8. Continuaremos desarrollando y trabajando de una manera apasionante, talentosa, vehemente, comprometida con el personal de ICM.

9. ICM continuará siendo una denominación y un movimiento global. No desapareceremos, o formaremos parte de ninguna otra denominación, o abandonaremos nuestra llamada sagrada.

10. Continuaremos siendo quienes establezcamos las conexiones entre Jesús, la justicia y las comunidades globales LGBT/queer.

Esto es lo que cambiará:

1. Cada iglesia será atendida por la Obispa que sirve a cada región, y por la Obispa responsable de las Iglesias del mismo tamaño. Creemos que esto ofrecerá una ayuda más concreta y los recursos necesarios para cada iglesia, mientras trabajamos con un equipo más pequeño de Obispas(o) nos enfocaremos en las necesidades de cada iglesia de una forma más precisa.

2. Al mismo tiempo, algunas expectativas de las Obispas(o) se ajustarán en los próximos 18 meses, al menos, les pedimos su paciencia y participación.

3. Las operaciones de nuestra denominación serán ajustadas, y tendrán "tamaño adecuado" para nuestros recursos actuales, lo que significa que algunos proyectos e iniciativas se pospondrán o disminuirán, mientras nos enfocamos en como iluminar las prioridades.

Esto es lo que prometemos:

1. Información a tiempo, transparente y verdadera, mientras vamos en pos de estos cambios..

2. Apertura a las aportaciones constructivas.

3. Cooperación con nuestro Equipo de Revisión de la Estructura.

4. Audacia, creatividad y fidelidad de parte del liderazgo de ICM.

Esto es lo que necesitamos de ustedes:

1. Retroalimentación constructiva de su parte y para el Equipo de Revisión de Estructura.
2. Participación en nuestros Equipos Regionales.
3. Oraciones y paciencia.
4. El beneficio de la duda.
5. Disponibilidad de hacer las cosas de una manera diferente.

Estamos muy agradecidas con muchos de ustedes que han comprometido sus vidas y recursos para compartir el ministerio.

En mi corazón siento que Dios estará con nosotros en cada uno de los cambios, mientras que nos ofrecemos nosotros mismos, en el nombre de Dios, para quienes desesperadamente necesitan de nosotros para continuar "derribando muros y construyendo esperanza.

+Nancy

Rev. Obispa Nancy Wilson
Moderadora
Iglesias de la Comunidad Metropolitana
www.MCCchurch.org

Rev. Obispo Ken Martin
Rev. Obispa Arlene Ackerman
Rev. Obispa Glenna Shepherd
Rev. Obispa Diane Fisher
Rev. Obispa Darlene Garner
Rev. Obispa Lillie Brock


_______________________________

MESAJE ADICIONAL
de la Oficina de la Moderadora de las
Iglesias de la Comunidad Metropolitana.
_______________________________

Abril 30, 2009

Queridos Amigos de ICM:

Después de más de cuatro años como Directora Ejecutiva de ICM, la Rev. Dr. Cindi Love estará dejando su puesto con las Iglesias de la Comunidad Metropolitana. Cindi permanecerá en su puesto hasta el 27 de mayo de 2009, para ayudar con la suave transición de deberes.

Pronto estaré anunciando un nombramiento interino para continuar con nuestras operaciones.

Mientras tanto, la Rev. Obispa Darlene Garner ha sido nombrada por la Junta Administrativa, por recomendación mía, para ayudar a Cindi con esta transición.

Como dicen las Escrituras, "Hay un tiempo y estación con un propósito propio bajo el sol". Dios fue elevado con el trabajo de Cindi en las Iglesias de la Comunidad Metropolitana y siempre estaremos agradecidos por su servicio. Le aseguramos a ella nuestras oraciones por el éxito en todo lo que emprenda.

Gracia y Paz,

+Nancy

Rev. Nancy L. Wilson
oficina de la Moderadora de las
Iglesias de la Comunidad Metropolitana
www.MCCchurch.org

MCC Organizational, Leadership Changes announced for Metropolitan Community Church Denomination

A Pastoral Letter from
the Board of Elders of
Metropolitan Community Churches

_______________________________________________________

Hope-Filled Change In The Midst Of Paradox:
Adjusting Course For Future Ministry
"For I know the plans I have for you," says
God ... to give you a future with hope."
– Jeremiah 29:11
_____________________________________________________

One of the newer hymns of the church is entitled, "Change Your Church, O God." Change challenges us; it helps us grow; it positions us for new chapters in our lives and our ministries.

Change can also be daunting! Perhaps you have seen the Dilbert cartoon that says, "Change is easy! You go first."

The Board of Elders convened recently in Austin, Texas, and wrestled with how to share with you our deepest truth and our hearts during this time of great global change.

First, we are dealing with a paradox:

1) MCC is stronger, more stable and in greater health than ever in our history: attendance is steady or growing (CLICK HERE for information on church statistics), MCC’s global justice work is exploding, there is more interest and need for MCC’s ministry and message than ever before; MCC’s impact on human rights continues to grow; we have no significant debt as a denomination and we have significant investments (though challenged by recent economic events); more than any time in our history, clergy from other denominations are asking to become part of our ministry; and a new generation of activists is challenging and changing us.

2) At the same time that we have been called to do more, the current economic crisis has adversely affected our financial ability to support and fulfill our mission. Tithes to churches and to the denomination have not been as consistent nor as high as needed to support our current structure. As individuals, as churches and as the Fellowship, we have significantly less in financial resources to do the work we have been called to do. In recognition of the perilous state of the worldwide economy and the fact that we all must do more with less, the Board of Administration has asked us to reduce our budget by another $250,000 USD. This means we must make some big changes and decisions about how to accomplish MCC's unique calling in our world with fewer resources and without losing momentum or faith. We have a sense that just as some local churches who have struggled to break size barriers, MCC, as a whole, has struggled to overcome a "300 barrier" in the number of churches. As we respond to economic realities, we do not want to fall back into old patterns, or to return to a "better yesterday." We do not want to let fear throw us back to the early stages of the "Change Cycle." We want to find the healthy and right ways to organize ourselves to move forward for the next decades of ministry and believe that our faith and future are stronger than our current circumstances.

We have been confronting some of these issues for years; in a sense the current economy has pushed us to make choices that will "right size" our denominational leadership:

1) The Board of Elders will model the sacrifice needed to "right size" our denominational leadership. As of August 1, 2009, for the next 18 months, we will downsize the Board of Elders and will have four Regional Elders who will serve MCC's seven Regions. Here is how this will be achieved: The term of office for the Elder of Region 4 has been shortened. Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd will end her term as Region 4 Elder at the end of July, 2009, and the Region 4 Elder position will be vacated. Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman, after 17 years of continuous service to Metropolitan Community Churches in denominational leadership, will not run for another term. We will leave the Region 3 Elder position vacant at this time. There are no adequate words to thank Elder Glenna and Elder Arlene, both of whom will continue to serve our denomination and partner with the Board of Elders as we go forward. I also want to express my firm confidence in the four Elders who will lead us over the coming 18 months -- Rev. Elder Darlene Garner, Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, Rev. Elder Lillie Brock and Rev. Elder Ken Martin -- and to affirm their calling and ministry "for such a time as this." CLICK HERE to see an overview of the Elders new way of work.

2) All churches in all Regions will have Elder coverage for congregational care and connection, including the church’s connection to and relationship with MCC. The Elders will work through our new Regional Teams to help churches develop or maintain significant care and connection between leaders and congregations. We know this is a vitally important dimension of being part of MCC, and one that has been missing for some folks. To see the new model for Elder coverage, CLICK HERE.

3) In addition, the four Regional Elders will primarily work with churches according to the issues and needs created by congregation size. CLICK HERE for more information.

With the departure of our Executive Director (see letter below), we will continue to reconfigure our staffing and accountability structures. Again, Rev. Dr. Cindi Love has made an inestimable contribution to our denomination's life and health over the past more than four years, We know that she will continue to offer her gifts to and through MCC. In this interim period, the Board of Elders will work closely with the Board of Administration to assure a smooth transition and to carry out the administrative affairs of the denomination.

Here is what will be the same:

1. MCC's values, mission and vision for the future, our faith in the God who called us 40 years ago.

2. Every church will have an Elder that will serve their Region and oversee care, connection and judicatory functions.

3. Together, the Elders will provide spiritual leadership.

4. We will continue to plan for an exciting General Conference in Acapulco, Mexico, in 2010.

5. Our Structure Review Team will continue to do its work to bring proposals to the General Conference.

6. We will build on the excellent work of our Executive Director in financial accountability, in restructuring the staff, development of resources and customer service, and expansion of our mission.

7. We will continue to work in partnership with the MCC Board of Administration as we go through more transition, and continue to provide information with transparency and accountability.

8. We will continue to develop and work with an exciting, talented, passionate, committed MCC staff.

9. MCC will continue to be a denomination and a global movement. We will not disappear, dissolve into another denomination, or abandon our sacred calling!

10. We will continue to be on the edge of the connections between Jesus, justice and the LGBT/queer communities globally,

Here is what will change:

1. Every church will be served by the Elder covering your region, and by the Elder responsible for churches in your size grouping. We believe this will provide more concrete help and resources to every church, as we manage with a smaller Board of Elders focusing more precisely on your church’s needs.

2. At the same time, some expectations of Elders will have to be adjusted for the next 18 months, at least, as we ask for your patience and participation.

3. Our denominational operations will have to be adjusted, and "right sized" for our present resources, which means some projects and initiatives may have to be postponed or downsized, as we focus like a laser beam on priorities.

Here is what we promise you:

1. Timely, transparent, truthful information, as we go through changes.

2. Openness to your constructive feedback.

3. Cooperation with our Structure Review Team.

4. Boldness, creativity, and faithfulness on the part of MCC's leadership.

Here is what we need from you:

1. Constructive feedback to us and to the Structure Review Team
2. Participation in our Regional teams
3. Prayers and patience
4. The benefit of the doubt
5. Willingness to try doing things a new way

We are so grateful to so many of you who have committed your lives and resources to the ministry we share.

I know in my heart that God will be with us through every change, as we offer ourselves, in Christ's name, to "the least of these," who so desperately need us as we continue to "tear down walls and build up hope!"

+Nancy

Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
Moderator
Metropolitan Community Churches
www.MCCchurch.org

Rev. Elder Ken Martin
Rev. Elder Arlene Ackerman
Rev. Elder Glenna Shepherd
Rev. Elder Diane Fisher
Rev. Elder Darlene Garner
Rev. Elder Lillie Brock


_______________________________

ADDITIONAL MESSAGE
from the Office of the Moderator
of Metropolitan Community Churches
_______________________________

April 30, 2009

Dear MCC Friends:

After more than four years as MCC's Executive Director, Rev. Dr. Cindi Love is leaving her position with Metropolitan Community Churches. Cindi will stay through May 27, 2009, to assist with a smooth transition of duties.

I will soon announce an interim appointment to keep our operations running smoothly.

In the meantime, Rev. Elder Darlene Garner has been appointed by the MCC Board of Administration, at my recommendation, to assist Cindi with the transition.

As the Scriptures say, "There is a time and season to every purpose under the sun." God raised up Cindi to serve Metropolitan Community Churches and we will be forever grateful for her service. She is assured of our prayers for success in all that she undertakes.

Grace and peace,

+Nancy

Rev. Nancy L. Wilson
Office of the Moderator
Metropolitan Community Churches
www.MCCchurch.org