Does MCC engage in Christian mission?
The concept of Christian Mission is complicated. Often, when we hear the word “mission” there is an historical sense that we are sending a group of people somewhere to help “save” whomever needs saving. This understanding of mission brings with it a history of colonialism, which often causes harm and reinforces the idea that one group, those doing missions, are the saviors. Nothing could be further from the truth. I believe that MCC is committed to International Justice Work and Acts of Compassion.
We believe in the inherent worth and dignity of each person and assume that we are the ones who have the most to learn when doing International Justice work. We do not arrive believing that we have all the answers, but rather with an openness to hearing the voices of those who invited us into this work with them. We are humbled and honored that they are trusting their stories with us. We understand that all that we do will be mutual and that our hosts will set the parameters of our involvement. We are there at their bidding and they are the guides on this journey. Our purpose is to offer support and be the behind the scene supporters. If we are requested to support more visible efforts, we will work together to meet the goals set by our hosts.
We acknowledge that we are often requested to be an alternate religious voice — progressive, affirming, and lifting up the truth that all are welcomed by God. In particular, we are uniquely positioned to share the reality that the LGBTQI+ community has a place at the table of God’s love. Again, we would only speak at the request of our hosts and would craft our message together.
One of MCC’s Core Values “Justice” states:
MCC is working to talk less and do more, we are committed to resisting the structures that oppress people and standing with those who suffer under the weight of oppressive systems, being guided always by our commitment to Global Human Rights.
MCC has specific guidelines for our Global Human Rights work which include:
- to only go where we are invited
- to assume we have a lot to learn
- to listen to our hosts
- to forge partnerships
- to respond when requested
- to be flexible to the realities and differences of working internationally
So does MCC engage in Christian Mission? We engage in Christian action and acts of compassion.
ABOUT THIS MCC AUTHOR: If you were to ask Rev. Elder Diane Fisher to describe herself, she would likely say, “I am a lesbian Christian pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Rehoboth in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and I am a mother of a fabulous daughter, Karli and married to Rev. Dr. Kharma Amos who delights my heart.” Diane is a queer activist, proudly Canadian, who had her daughter with two gay men (Bill and Walter). She is best known within MCC as someone who is passionate about local churches, cares deeply about God, and advocates tirelessly on behalf of young people and the LGBTQI community. She is known internationally as the “lesbian bishop” and for her justice ministry with LGBTQI people, especially in Eastern Europe and Africa. Thanks to her tireless work in Eastern Europe, MCC became identified as the Human Rights Church. Read More
