LGBTI-friendly Metropolitan Community Church Sydney gearing up for 40th anniversary
THE Sydney branch of the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) will celebrate its 40th anniversary of being an LGBTI-inclusive ministry with a gala dinner night.
To be held on July 4 at Petersham Town Hall in Sydney’s inner-west, the event will also include dancing, live music, speeches and special guests.
“MCC has been a part of the fabric of Sydney’s LGBTI life since before that very first Mardi Gras back in 1978,” Pastor Rev Greg Smith said.
“For 40 years we’ve opened our doors to those rejected and hurt by un-accepting churches.”
Smith extended an invitation to the celebrations to past MCC supporters and members of the community regardless of their denominations.
“Now we want to open our doors once more to extend a warm welcome to all who support the work of MCC for this very special celebration. You don’t have to be a part of our church or any church,” he said.
The church held its first services at the Quakers Hall on Devonshire Street, Surry Hills, in 1975.
Its history, as recorded in photos taken by and submitted by patrons past and present, will be displayed in a slideshow at the anniversary dinner.
“In our church we’re seeing a new wave of young candidates for ministry and young leaders championing the cause of MCC,” Smith said.
The following Sunday’s morning and night worship services with guest speaker Rev Dorothy McRea-MchMahon will bring the 40th birthday weekend to a close.
“We’ve still got a way to go, but it fills me with such hope that the young people in our church don’t have to suffer the persecution my generation experienced in the days before law reform, pre 1984,” Smith said.
“MCC is at a critical time in its history as churches and society becomes more accepting. Now is a great time to connect with MCC as we venture boldly, with fresh ideas, into a world that my generation could only dream of.”
MCC’s 40th anniversary Dinner will be held on Saturday, July 4. Tickets are available for $71 full, and $31 concession. The event is fully catered, save for BYO beer and wine. Details: mccsydney.org
Religion causes lots and lots of hate crimes against the LGBTI community!
Maybe they were having an off day, but I went to MCC several years ago, at a time when I was terribly confused about my sexuality and it took me weeks to find the courage to go to one of their services well, I’m sorry but NEVER again! I wasn’t made to feel welcomes, not ONE person greeted me, I was made to feel very much unwelcomed, unseen and unimportant. Shame on you all
Hi Bruno
I’m sorry you feel that way. I’ve been going to MCC Sydney for more than 5 years and I always make a point of saying hello and warmly welcoming every single new person who sets foot in the doors of the church. Being a welcoming place is very important for myself and the church. It’s shame that you feel that didn’t happen at the time you visited. Rest assured of you give us a little patience and grace I’ll be sure to say hello and be as hospitalable as possible if you ever wish to return.
I truly wish you the best of your spiritual journey.
Blessings
Alex
As it should be !
Congratulation on your longevity, my previous partner and I attended for a short period of time, I found the community very typical of the gay scene, bitchy and unwelcoming, and that tone wa set by the leadership.
Hi Kinglsely
Sorry to hear about your experience. I’m not sure when you might have been at MCC Sydney but for the last 5 years MCC has been a truly wonderful spiritual community of safety and mutual support. I haven’t seen any of the ‘bitchiness’ you see modeled in leadership. I see a lot of love, a lot of caring and lot of community. Sometimes people make mistakes. I’d be happy to say a big hello and welcome if you ever want to pay MCC a visit again.
Blessings
Alex
I’ve been there a few times of a Sunday night, very warm and welcoming people, great singing and liturgy led by a fantastic down to earth Priest and Pastor.
Real Christians. Well done!
Religion of any kind and made-up stories in a 2,000 year old book causes nothing but big trouble, causes unspeakable hate crimes against the LGBTI community and quite frankly is a disease to the whole of humanity!