The Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson is the moderator of the Metropolitan Community Churches ( MCC ), which has ministries in over 40 countries. Dr. Wilson led the first group of LGBT faith leaders to meet with White House staff in 1979. She served as a member of President Obama's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships.
One out of every ten young persons born in the United States is of Hispanic descent. Many will grow up and discover they, or someone in their family, are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer ( LGBTQ ).
In recognition of the need to expand ministries among Hispanic populations, thirty leaders of the global Metropolitan Community Churches ( MCC ) came together for a historic meeting February 21-22, at Resurrection MCC in Houston, Texas.
Hispanic populations in the United States are growing rapidly and are already a key influence on the political and religious landscape of the USA. Despite stereotypes of Latino/a persons, they are often progressive and accommodate LGBTQ people into their families rather than relegating them to "gay ghettos."
"The model of Hispanic families that includes everyone is exactly the direction MCC is moving with its holistic ministries," said the Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson, global moderator of MCC. "Each person and each congregation is a tapestry of cultural backgrounds and unique identities, which are a reflection of God's amazing creativity."
MCC already has ministries with Hispanic communities throughout the Americas and understands there is much more to do to share the good news of a fully inclusive church. With a history of being on the cutting edge of addressing the real needs of grassroots LGBTQ people since 1968, MCC continues to be an understated bellwether for the LGBTQ movement.
Leaders attending the gathering include MCC Moderator Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson and the Rev. Hector Gutierrez, who oversees MCC ministries throughout Latin America. Many other MCC leaders present have successful ministries in Hispanic community contexts or are looking for best practices as they establish or expand ministries.