History of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches

 

1968 – 1970
In the summer of 1968, one year prior to the Stonewall events, there was a little-reported West Coast bar action and police confrontation which served to galvanize gay activities in Los Angeles, California (USA) – and initiated a chain of events which directly led to the founding of the first Metropolitan Community Church (MCC).  Within months of this West Coast bar event, the Reverend. Troy D. Perry held the first worship service of what would come to be known as Metropolitan Community Church Los Angeles (MCC Los Angeles). Twelve worshippers gathered in his home in Huntington Park, California at 1:30PM on October 6, 1968 – the first service of what today has become an international movement with more than 44,000 members and adherents in 29 countries, and annual income exceeding $24 million, and a powerful message of spiritual acceptance and affirmation for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender persons.

On December 3, the nation’s first same-sex marriage was performed by Reverend Troy D. Perry for two Mexican American men in Los Angeles, California.

During 1969, Metropolitan Community Church congregations are formed in nine cities in the USA: Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Costa Mesa, California; Chicago, Illinois; Phoenix, Arizona; Kaneone, Hawaii; Dallas, Texas; and Miami, Florida.

MCC’s commitment to Christian Social Action is tested in April 1969, when Reverend Perry leads a group of eight MCC Los Angeles members in a peaceful demonstration in front of the Los Angeles offices of State Steamship Lines, which had fired a man for publicly declaring his homosexuality.  Reverend Perry also leads a group of demonstrators to the Dover Hotel in Los Angeles, California, to protest the beating death of a young gay man by local police officers.

In the early 1970’s, Reverend Perry helps organize and marches in Los Angeles’ first Gay/Lesbian Pride Parade. After the march, Reverend Perry, joined by Carol Shepherd from Daughters of Bilitis and Kelly from Homophile Effort for Legal Protection, sits down on the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Las Palmas Avenue in Hollywood, California and begins a fast for meaningful dialogue about changing unjust laws that discriminate against lesbian and gay men.

At the first General Conference of MCC, more than 600 people attend morning worship. The fledging group of MCC churches in the USA agrees to form a body they will call the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches and agree to begin development of an educational institution, Samaritan Bible Seminary.

1971 – 1980
In the mid part of 1971, MCC Los Angeles (The “Mother Church”) becomes the first gay/lesbian organization in the USA to own its own property with the purchase and renovation of a church at 22nd Street and Union Street in Los Angeles, California.

Reverend Elder Troy D. Perry leads a march from San Francisco, California, to the California state capitol at Sacramento, California, to demand support for a Consenting Adults Bill.

The second General Conference of MCC is held at MCC Los Angeles in their new building at 22nd and Union.

At the 1972 General Conference III in Los Angeles, 35 congregations vote to be a permanent denomination. The 1972 General Conference establishes the National Prison Ministry (renamed Board of Institutional Ministry in 1975 and Office of Institutional Ministry in 1979) to provide ministry and counseling for the imprisoned and parole support for convicts being released.

As the denomination comes into 1973, MCC begins its Global Outreach with the congregations of MCC of London, England, and MCC of Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

By-laws are rewritten at the General Conference IV in Atlanta, Georgia, to be less sexist and more inclusive. Reverend Freda Smith becomes the first woman ordained as clergy in MCC and the first woman to be elected to the MCC Board of Elders. Reverend Jim Sandmire, Reverend Richard Vincent and Reverend John Gill are elected to the new 7-person Board of Elders, along with Reverend Freda Smith, joining Reverend Elder Troy Perry, Reverend Elder John Hose and Reverend Elder Richard Ploen on that Board.

The faith of the women and men of MCC is tested by fire in January, the sanctuary of MCC Los Angeles is destroyed, in March a fire is set at MCC Nashville, Tennessee, and most tragically, in New Orleans, an arson fire claims the lives of 29 people, including the pastor.

Reverend June Norris is the first heterosexual person to be licensed as clergy in MCC.

During 1974, MCC representatives accept invitations to visit groups in Australia and Nigeria. These visits are followed by the forming of MCC congregations in both countries. In Australia: Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. In Nigeria, Reverend Sylvanus Maduka becomes the first licensed MCC clergyperson from outside the USA and Reverend Maduka and Reverend Jose Mojica becomes the first persons of color to be licensed as clergy. Reverend Roy Birchard is elected to the Board of Elders to fill the unexpired term of Reverend Elder Richard Ploen.

The Mother Church purchases the old Belasco Theater in downtown Los Angeles as their new home. The MCC offices are moved into this historic building on Hill Street.

On January 25th, the facilities rented by West Bay MCC-Santa Monica, California are arsoned causing $20,000 in damage to the chapel owned by the non-denominational Unity-by-the-Sea Church.

General Conference V is held in San Francisco, California. The theme is “One Body, One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism.”

A unanimous vote at the 1975 General Conference VI, held in Dallas, Texas, recommends that every member church begin work toward the use of inclusive language. Reverend Carol Cureton is elected to the Board of Elders. The theme of General Conference is “We’ve A Story To Tell To The Nations.”  In October, MCC opens a Field Office in Washington, DC to initiate and lobby for social action.

Reverend Heather Anderson (later known as Reverend Sky Anderson) becomes the first transgender person licensed as clergy in MCC.

In the early part of 1976, EXCEL (Exercise in Christian Community Living) MCC’s lay-oriented spiritual renewal program is introduced in Los Angeles.

Later that summer in 1976, Reverend Delores Jackson becomes the first African American to be licensed as Clergy in MCC at General Conference VII in Washington, DC.  Reverend Nancy Wilson and Reverend Charlie Arehart are elected to the Board of Elders. The theme of General Conference is “Proclaim Liberation in The Land.”

That Fall, MCC moved its offices from the Mother Church to the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center on Highland Avenue in Hollywood. 

On August 14th, the building owned by Trinity MCC Riverside, California was destroyed by a fire. On October 4th Kind of Peace MCC in St. Petersburg, Florida lost their building to a fire.

President Jimmy Carter invites Reverend Troy Perry to attend a meeting in the White House to discuss the status of gay and lesbian rights in the USA in the Spring of 1977.

The formation of the Committee of Lay Concerns (later renamed Commission on the Laity) “to enhance the flow of communication between laity and clergy” is approved by the Board of Elders in 1977.

In July of 1977, General Conference VIII is held in Denver, Colorado, where the delegates vote to hold General Conference biennially. The General Conference theme is “Think On These Things.”

That same September, Reverend Perry begins a fast on the steps of the Federal Building in Los Angeles to raise $100,000 to fight against the Briggs Initiative, which would have banned gays and lesbian from teaching in California public schools. Within 16 days, contributions from across the nation allow Reverend Perry to end his fast. The measure was seen as part of a rising tide of homophobia organized to help defeat these punitive measures.

On October 23rd, the building owned by Casa de Cristo MCC in Phoenix, Arizona was firebombed.

MCC moves its offices to the third floor of a building at 318 West Street in downtown Los Angeles, two blocks from the Mother Church.

January 6, 1978, the KKK burns a cross on the lawn of MCC of the Resurrection in Houston, Texas. Reverend Jeri Ann Harvey is elected the first woman Pastor of the Mother Church in Los Angeles, and MCC moves its offices again, this time to an office building in Hollywood at 5300 Santa Monica Boulevard, near the Hollywood Freeway.

At the first National March on Washington for Gay & Lesbian Rights in 1979, drew over 300,000 participants, including a large contingent from MCC congregations in the USA. MCC sponsors Worship Services at the Lincoln Memorial.

MCC begins to reflect its international composition at General Conference IC in Los Angeles, California, as Reverend Jean White of London, England becomes the first elected MCC Elder from outside the USA, and Reverend Jeri Ann Harvey, a Native American, becomes our first person of color elected as Elder at General Conference held in the summer of 1979.  The General Conference theme is “For Such A Time As This.”

As MCC entered into the 1980’s, Reverend Troy Perry led “The Trek” from Jacksonville to Tallahassee, Florida, an eight-day march by MCCers. MCC helps place thousands of gay and lesbian Cuban refugees being held at concentration camp-style facilities of three US military camps. July 21st, MCC Tallahassee, Florida was arsoned.

1981 – 1990
The first references to AIDS, then known as Gay-Related Immune Disease or GRID, appear in both medical journals and the mainstream press in 1981, and MCC congregations around the world exhibit leadership, compassion and courage as they learn to minister in the midst of an ongoing crisis.

Ongoing dialogue with the larger Christian community begins in a formal way as MCC applies for membership in the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA.

General Conference X in Houston, Texas amends and approves the report of the Task Force on Inclusive Language which includes basic definitions and guidelines for use of inclusive language. The Conference also amends the MCC Statement of Faith according to those guidelines. General Conference Theme is “By No Other Name.”

The changing face and attitudes of MCC are reflected in Michael Mank being elected as the first lay Elder and Bylaw revision affirms “the Universal priesthood of all believers,” and the Reverend Hong Tan becomes the first Asian to be licensed as clergy in MCC.

As the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA met in 1982, it referred MCC’s application for membership to the NCC’s Commission of Faith & Order for a year-long study of “the ecclesiological issues raised by this application.”

September 19th, MCC Atlanta becomes the 17th Church in the Fellowship to suffer damage by fire.

In 1983 the MCC holds its first General Conference outside the USA in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and General Conference XI affirms “the right of all MCC ministries, clergy and lay, to celebrate and consecrate communion with equal validity.”  Reverend Don Eastman is elected to the Board of Elders. General Conference theme is “Many Gifts, One Spirit.”

The National Council of Churches of Christ requests the opportunity to attend a typical MCC Worship Service while meeting in San Francisco, California. MCC communion has a particularly powerful effect on NCCC members who had previously never received communion together.

In 1984 The National Council of Churches “postpones indefinitely” any action on MCC’s application for membership.

In January, MCC San Diego, California (USA) hosts a 50-hour AIDS Vigil of Prayer for clergy and laity of all denominations. In September, MCC leads 5,000 churches in worldwide AIDS Vigil of Prayer, which becomes the model for World AIDS Day.

The 1985 General Conference XII in Sacramento, California is the first Conference with equipment to translate proceedings in Spanish. The Conference approves a major restructuring to the Government, Structure and Systems of the Fellowship. The General Conference theme is “Free To Be.”

In February 1986, Reverend Virgil Scott, pastor of MCC Stockton, California (USA) is severely beaten and stabbed to death; his murder remains unsolved.

In June, the U.S. Supreme Court upholds the Sodomy Laws in the United States and MCC is permitted to conduct religious services in low security federal prisons.

During 1987, Gay men, lesbians and their supporters converge on Washington, D.C. for the second March on Washington, which at that point is the largest gay rights demonstration ever held in the USA. The demonstration includes many MCCers and MCC again sponsors worship services at the Lincoln Memorial.

Couples, Inc. sponsors the first mass “Wedding” at the IRS building that weekend.

MCC holds General Conference CIII in Miami Beach, Florida. Larry Rodriguez is elected as the 2nd layperson ever elected to the Board of Elders. General Conference theme is “Perfect Love Casts Out All Fears.”  A joint service with Dignity, the gay Roman Catholic organization, is held with Father Daniel Berrigan as speaker. The theme of this join time together is “They Will Know We Are Christians By Our Love.”

During 1988, MCC experiences a time of growth and consolidation as maturing congregations set an example for each other and for the MCC by making the necessary sacrifices to purchase their own properties – creating an aura of permanent and stability and allowing for more creative broad based ministry.

The continuing need for MCC to address the concerns of women resulted in the creation of the Women’s Secretarist by the 1989 General Conference XIV in St. Paul, Minnesota. General Conference theme is “Good News For All People.”

The Elders Task Force on Structures and Systems is created in 1990 to explore and make recommendations for the next structural developments in MCC.

Present George H.W. Bush (USA) signs the National Hate Crimes Act, the first to include gays with minority groups. The law orders a detailed study of crimes motivated by racial, ethnic, religious, or any-gay bias. Reverend Elder Don Eastman is among those invited to the White House for the signing ceremony.

1991 – 2000
General Conference XV in Phoenix, Arizona, in the summer of 1991, MCC celebrates progress as it receives a report that the percentage of women clergy in MCC has grown steadily over the years, and that 43% of MCC’s current 305 clergy were women.

MCC recognizes that healthy tensions persist around many theological/liturgical issues, as evidenced by a non-binding resolution calling for workshops “reflecting the theological and spiritual diversity of MCC” at the 1993 General Conference.

General Conference XV is the first to provide special programming for children. Reverend Willem Hein is elected to the Board of Elders and later becomes Reverend Wilhelmina Hein, the first transgender person to serve on the Board of Elders. The Board of Pensions is established by General Conference XV to provide a retirement plan for clergy in the United States. General Conference theme is “I Have Opened A Door.”

MCC social action efforts circle the globe in 1992, and in Argentina, Reverend Roberto Gonzalez is among a group of chain themselves to the door of the Vatican Embassy to pretest the homophonic pronouncements of the Archbishop of Buenos Aires.

In New Zealand, MCCers are working with other lesbian/gay organizations to include sexual orientation in national anti-discrimination act to be considered by parliament in 1993.

Hamburg, Germany host the first MCC District Conference in a country where English is not the first language, and EXCEL International achieves its goal of having an EXCEL weekend in every MCC District. The MCC 192 People of Color Conference is the largest and most spirited ever with 131registered.

At the 1993 General Conference, MCC elects Reverend Hong Tan to become the first Asian Elder, and Reverend Darlene Garner to become the first Asian-American Elder in the fellowship at General Conference XVI in Phoenix, Arizona. General Conference theme is “For All The Nations.”

In early 1994, as extensive renovations are underway, the church home of MCC’s “Mother” Church, MCC Los Angeles is destroyed by the devastating Northridge earthquake. The MCC General Council votes unanimously to authorize negotiating the purchase of a modern building complex on Santa Monica Boulevard, in West Hollywood, California (USA). The ambitious project is to be a joint venture of the MCC and MCC Los Angeles and will provide a future home for both entities.

In Atlanta, Georgia (USA), General Conference XVII in 195, the conference views a video history of MCC which concludes with images of the proposed new MCC building complex in West Hollywood, CA (USA) as Reverend Perry shares his “Vision … for the Next Generation.”  General Conference enthusiastically approves the proposal for a joint Capital Campaign venture between MCC and the “Mother Church” (MCC Los Angeles) to raise the monies for the $3.8 million purchase of the new property.

Reverend Elder Wilhelmina Hein is reelected to the Board of Elders at General Conference, becoming the first transgender person elected to that body. General Conference theme is “All Things Are Possible.”

During the first part of 1996, MCC Los Angeles continues a series of fundraising efforts in the Southern California areas as Reverend Elder Perry is in the midst of a world tour of MCC churches on behalf of the MCC/MCCLA Capital Campaign which is called: “Vision … For the Next Generation.”

On May 1st, MCC establishes a presence in cyberspace with a public website and its own Domain Name (http://www.MCC.com). From this small beginning, MCC watches their website grow to receive an average of 200,000 hits per month by June 1999!

Reverend Elder Perry’s Capital Campaign tour of MCC congregations, “Vision … For the Next Generation,” reaches 137 MCCs in the USA, Canada, England, France, and Scotland, and raises over US $1,400,000 in cash and pledges before the tour is suspended to allow rest and recuperation for Reverend Perry after surgery.

On June 18, 1996, MCC and MCCLA complete Phase One of the Capital Campaign to raise the $1 million cash down payment and close escrow on the property. On Sunday, August 4, 1996, a Celebration of Thanksgiving and Blessing is held on the new Property. The beautiful facilities become the new home for MCC offices and MCC’s historic “Mother Church”, and Phase Two of the Capital Campaign to raise the funds required to complete the redesign of the property is begun.

Despite earlier concerns about a quorum, MCC General Conference XVIII in Sydney, Australia, held in 1997 is a success, reportedly generating much favorable publicity and interest in MCC churches in Australia and New Zealand. MCCers from around the world express wonder at the extraordinary beauty of Australia and delight with the warmth and friendliness of the “Aussie” welcome. General Conference theme is “You Are The Light Of The World.”

The Conference features a public rally at Sydney’s historic Town Hall, keynote addresses by internationally recognized human rights activists and theologians, business and planning sessions, and an extensive list of social and sightseeing options. Workshops and seminars explore gay sexuality, spirituality, activism, gay parenting, outreach to the LGBT communities, addressing the faith concerns of the gay community, AIDS ministry in a new era, and the use of technology on behalf of gay spirituality. Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (P-FLAG) is the recipient of MCC’s 1997 Human Rights Award, and the Conference approves a set of four “Ministry Priorities” to help guide and focus MCC ministries around the world. Mr. Clarke Friesen is elected to the Board of Elders, replacing Elder Larry Rodriguez who did not run for reelection after serving 10 years on the Board.

For the first time, MCCers are offered a “virtual” General Conference over the internet. Though limited, it does provide instant news, some “live” programming, and daily reports and photos from the Conference.

In October, the Reverend Jorge Sosa of Mexico City is appointed to MCC’s Board of Elders. Reverend Sosa becomes the first non-elected Elder in the denomination’s 29-year history, and the fourth Elder from outside the United States. He will fulfill the unexpired term of the Reverend Elder Wilhelmina Hein, who resigned.

In November, Reverend Perry is an invited participant in the White House Conference on Hate Crimes (USA). The day includes a breakfast meeting with Reverend Perry and other conference participants, President Clinton, White House staff and civil rights leaders, a day-long conference and working sessions, and an evening reception with members of the President’s Cabinet.

On November 20th, Reverend Perry joined 120 religious leaders in the USA for a breakfast meeting with President Clinton. The meeting is an opportunity for the President to recognize the contributions of these religious leaders to society.

In December, as Reverend Perry visits MCC congregations in South Africa, Nobel Peace Prize Winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Reverend Perry have a historic meeting in Johannesburg.

MCC’s internet presence is augmented in 1998, by introduction of the MCC Kids Page (MCC Kids On-Line) developed as an extension of the Children’s Ministry program of MCC Charlotte. Its mission is said to be to “provide the children of MCC with fun, Bible-based stories and activities to learn about the Word of God; provide children’s ministry teachers and caregivers with encouragement and Christian, life-based resources appropriate to our specific needs.”

At Leadership Conference in September (Phoenix, AZ, USA), the MCC web-based “IntraNet” is introduced. This special password-protected website is intended for the exclusive use of the lay and clergy leadership of MCC and will offer additional “secure site” areas for various MCC ministries and entities.

Following a particularly heinous murder of a young gay student in the USA, veteran human rights activists Reverend Jesse Jackson and Reverend Troy Perry hold a joint rally and press conference in Los Angeles. The event becomes more than a public statement against hate crime as it launches a national movement.

The World Council of Churches, meeting in Zimbabwe, invites MCC to present a public worship service for the body. Reverend Elder Hong Tan preaches a stirring and memorable sermon to the group. A simultaneous Service is held at MCC “mother Church” in Los Angeles.

MCC begins a series of monthly “cybercasts” on the internet (30-minute audio programs featuring MCC musicians and music and a message from Reverend Elder Troy Perry.)

In late April 1999, MCC announces the inauguration of the “IntraNet de FUICM en Espanol”—a website with MCC materials presented in the Spanish language—beginning with 50+ pages of translated materials and links to other Spanish language websites.

On July 11, at 10:00 AM, MCC members and friends from around the globe are present as MCC and MCC Los Angeles dedicates the new MCC World Center and “Mother Church” building complex in West Hollywood, CA.

MCC celebrates its 30th Year World Jubilee and conducts the business of General Conference XIX at the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. Reverend Nori Rost is elected to the Board of Elders. General Conference theme is “The Joy of God Is Our Strength.”

2001 – 2010
In July 2001, General Conference XX held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. General Conference theme is “Moving Forward In Faith.”

In July 2003, General Conference XXI is held in Dallas, Texas. General Conference theme is “Let Your Light Shine.” Cathedral of Hope MCC, the largest congregation in the fellowship, withdraws from the denomination and later joins the United Church of Christ.

The structure of the fellowship is once again changed, with Regional Elders replacing the old Board of Elders and General Council. The Board of Administration (Board of Directors for the Corporation) made its first presentation.

In July 2005, General Conference XXII is held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada where Reverend Elder Nancy Wilson is elected as MCC’s 2nd Moderator. Many couples are legally married in Canada at this General Conference. General Conference theme is “A Future and A Hope.”

In October, Reverend Elder Troy Perry officially retires, and Reverend Elder Nancy Wilson is installed as Moderator in a service at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.

The first Executive Director of Metropolitan Community Churches was appointed by the Board of Administration as the final step of transition. The global redistribution of all teams and offices of MCC was begun with the acquisition of the new office for the Moderator in Sarasota, Florida (USA). This process established an official “point of presence” in areas where the majority of members of MCC reside (Texas, Florida and California) as well as areas of emerging ministry (ex: Latin America and Eastern Europe). 

Reverend Elder Armando Sanchez ended service as the Elder serving Region 2. Reverend Elder Jim Mitulski was appointed to fill this term.

During 2006, Reverend Elder Glenna Shepherd was elected to serve Region 4. Reverend Elder Ken Martin was elected to serve Region 1. 

Reverend Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator, was appointed to the Bishop’s and Elder’s Council, formed in conjunction with the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Institute for Welcoming Resources. Reverend Dr. Cindi Love was appointed to the Faith and Religion Council for the Human Rights Campaign. All Aboard, an HBO documentary featuring Rosie O’Donnell’s family along with 500 other LGBT families was released. Metropolitan Community Church was featured as the provider of pastoral support to the families. The Would Jesus Discriminate? Campaign launched in the May 2006 in Indianapolis. 

During the early part of 2007, the office of the Executive Director was opened in Abilene, Texas, one of the ten most conservative cities in the United States. An office was opened in Eastern Europe and a church was established in Jamaica in partnership with Sunshine Cathedral MCC. The second and third phases of the Would Jesus Discriminate? Campaign launched in Indianapolis and the first phase in Minneapolis. This campaign has resulted in the highest number of media mentions of MCC in its collective history.

General Conference XXIII is held in Scottsdale, Arizona. The General Conference theme is “Building on Hope, Creating Our Future.”  Guest Speakers for the conference were:  Jay Bakker, pastor of Revolution Church, son of Jim & Tammy Faye Bakker; Peggy Campolo, member of the Council of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists; Bishop Yvette Flunder, City of Refuge Community Church UCC; Rev. Lynice Pinkard, family therapist and Program Development Specialist for the San Francisco Department of Public Health; Donna Red Wing, Senior Advisor for Program & Development to the Interfaith Alliance in Washington, DC; Bishop Carlton Pearson, Author, Speaker, Spiritual Leader, Recording Artist; Marquis D. Hunt, founder of the Life Exchange.

In July 2010, General Conference XXIV is held in Acapulco, Mexico at the Fairmont Acapulco Princess. The General Conference these is “Imagine.”  Guest Speakers were: Dr. Bob Johanson, author; Dr. James Forbes, Professor at Union Theological Seminary, Rev. Gary Paterson, United Church of Canada, first openly gay pastor; Rt. Rev. Disani Christopher Senyonjo, International Human sexuality and LGBTQ activist; Daniel Baer, US Department of State 

2011 – 2020
General Conference XXV is held in Chicago, Illinois, at the Chicago, Fairmont, July 1-5, 2013. The Conference theme is “Believe.”  Guest Speakers were: Dr. Bob Johanson, author; Dr. James Forbes Professor at Union Theological Seminary, Rev. Gary Paterson, United Church of Canada, first openly gay pastor; Rt. Rev. Disani Christopher Senyonjo

General Conference XXVI is held Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, July 4-8, 2016, at the Fairmont Empress. The Conference theme is “Emerge.” Guest Speakers for the conference were: Ani Zonneveld, Muslims for Progressive Values; Jennifer Finney Boylan author/communist in NY Times; Mariela Castro, Cuban National Center for Sex Education

Elders: Rev. Dr. Pat Bumgardner, Rev. Dwayne Johnson, Rev. Margarita Sanchez-deLeon, Rev. Ines-Paul Baumann, Rev. Dr. Candace Shultis, Nancy Maxwell, Rev. Tony Freeman, were installed as elders to the denomination.

Rev. Elder Dr. Nancy Wilson retires as Denomination Moderator. No moderator was elected at General Conference XXVI due to lack of required voting percentages. Rev. Rachelle Brown was appointed by the Governing Board to the Interim Moderator, September 20016.

Over the weekend of October 5-7, 2018, Metropolitan Community Church celebrates Fifty years of life-changing, queer ministry that started in Los Angeles, California, changing the world to be a vibrant, inclusive, progressive, family of faith. 

General Conference XXVII is held Orlando, Florida, at Orlando Hilton Hotel, July 1-6, 2019. The Conference theme is “Celebrate!” and Rev. Elder Cecelia Eggleston, is elected as the third Moderator of Metropolitan Community Church.