How do you welcome intersexuals, asexuals, and pansexuals in your churches?
MCC began its ministry in 1968 as a special ministry to those who see themselves as faithful or seeking, having a religious history or not, those who have not been welcome in mainstream religious communities and those who are looking for a church community that is truly affirming and inclusive. It is the history of religious exclusion and harmful rhetoric that physical, spiritual, religious, and gender identities have been a particular focus in MCC’s wide invitation and its welcome and hospitality when you visit one of our local churches.
…MCC has been, from its inception, a leader in progressive theology and radical hospitality. MCC sees the intersection of spirituality and sexuality as divine and sacred.
This invitation is specially extended to those who are intersex, asexual, and pansexual because MCC is profoundly aware and sensitive to all who identify beyond binary terms and gender stereotypes. And MCC has been, from its inception, a leader in progressive theology and radical hospitality. MCC sees the intersection of spirituality and sexuality as divine and sacred.
There has been a long history, and even language change, related to intersexuality and MCC is a place where one’s physical and sexual understandings are celebrated rather than expected or imposed. How one sees themselves, and identifies physically and with gender, are uniquely personal and MCC affirms and celebrates this. We strive to honor names and pronouns, and our liturgy seeks to reflect ‘inclusive language’ to avoid binary terms and gender constructs.
In the same way, sexuality is uniquely personal and MCC celebrates a/sexuality in all its diverse forms and expressions as a spectrum of experience. Sermons and liturgy typically reflect a more nuanced and fluid approach to sexuality, based on holy scripture and other sacred writings that explore the historical and divine presence in sexuality; and highlight the ongoing beauty and diversity of creation, love, and relationship. Seeing ourselves throughout the stories of our faith assures us that, like our queer ancestors, we belong and our journeys are sacred too.
MCC continues to find new and better ways to say “You are warmly welcome here” for those who seek beloved community and spiritual growth…a place where, beyond welcome, we are also celebrated for who we are and whom we love. We hope you will find a local MCC to visit. You just might feel a sense of ‘home.’
ABOUT THIS MCC AUTHOR: Rev. Aaron Miller (MDiv’08 Yale Divinity School) has been the Pastor of MCC Hartford, Hartford CT USA since 2011. He helped launch the MCC Oasis (virtual global spiritual community) and for 10 years served as a hospital chaplain. Aaron also provides education and training around Trans* awareness and inclusion in a variety of venues that include faith communities, medical facilities, universities, government agencies, and other settings. Aaron is a passionate spiritual leader and social justice activist who is deeply committed to advancing and protecting LGBTQ+ human/civil rights and furthering full inclusion in faith communities and beyond as a critical pathway to wholeness and flourishing.
