AEGiS-BAYW: MCC Boston turns 35

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

MCC Boston turns 35

Bay Windows - September 13, 2007
Ethan Jacobs, ejacobs@baywindows.com

The Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) of Boston will mark its 35th anniversary Sept. 16 with a barbecue and potluck celebration followed by a special worship service that evening. The congregation, which holds its worship services at Boston's Old West Church, was founded when the LGBT-focused denomination, the United Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, was only four years old. The Rev. Michael Cooper, pastor of MCC Boston, said that despite the progressive attitudes that many mainline Protestant denominations have taken towards LGBT issues over the past few years, he believes there is still a role for a church that specifically caters to the LGBT community.

"Even in mainline denominations such as the Episcopal Church, the UCC [United Church of Christ] church, once you move out of some of those predominantly liberal areas you get into churches that are not accepting at all. ... Some churches are changing, but a lot of denominations are still struggling with the issue," said Cooper.

He said beyond providing an affirming space for LGBT Christians, MCC Boston has also worked to address issues that specifically impact the community.

"MCC has been focusing a lot on crystal meth addiction, which is very much part of the gay community right now, and other denominations aren't going to focus on those issues," said Cooper.

While MCC Boston had about 120 members at its peak, over the years the congregation has shrunk down to about 35. Cooper said the AIDS crisis took a major toll on the church, claiming the lives not only of many of its members but of several of its clergy and lay leaders. More recently Cooper said there have been more gay men stepping up to fill leadership positions in the church, and he hopes that trend will continue.

"We're seeing another resurgence of particularly gay men into, especially, leadership roles in the church. As a denomination we're very excited about this resurgence in our community following the AIDS epidemic and look forward to further growth," said Cooper.

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The cookout and potluck will be held from 3-5p.m. at Old West Church in Boston. The anniversary service begins at 6 p.m. Both are open to the public. For more information visit www.mccboston.org or call 617.973.0404.

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