June - 1974 - In Unity by MCC Churches

rlf.

~~--~~QUOTE *

* TODA V'S

* WEATHER *

" There is one body, one Lord, one faith, one baptism.. "

Whether it's cold, or Whether it's hot, The Spirit will be with us, Weather or not!

Ephesians 4:4路5 '<..l!3;----.G""'

Vol. IV, No.3

The Magazine of the Universal Fellowship of MetropolitanCommunity

Churches

June 1974

Gays Converge on San Francisco LOS ANGELES MCC

- HOME AT LAST Richard Reddinger MCC Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CaIifornia- The dedication of the "mother church" of Metropolitan Community Church took place on Sunday, April 28,1974 at its new location at 1050 South Hill Street, here. Together we stood, hundreds of us - the rich, poor, black, white, gay, straight, celebrities, representatives from just about every walk of life - together rejoicing and thanking God for the blessings of fellowship and Birthplace of MCC for the faith that He has given 1.0 us all. At 11 a.m. the main sanctuary was filled to more than capacity, everyone joining in a personal way with the singspiration songfest before the services. With an air of victory and dignity, the processional began with the flag representatives from each state or country where there is an MCC, the most impressive being the one from Nigeria in his native costume. The invocation was delivered by Elder Richard Ploen, Dean of the Samaritan Bible School and Elder John Hose gave the special welcome. Special guest, Ms. Martin J. (Beckie) Walsh, well-known mezzo-soprano from Gallup, New Mexico, sang a Psalm accompanied by Dr. Emma Lou Diemer, graduate composer from the Eastman School of Music. Rev. Elder Freda Smith jubilantly read letters of congratulations from President Richard M. Nixon, Senator John Tunney, Congressman Barry Goldwater, Mae West, and many, many more. [Cont'd on page 17) GAYS AND THE BIBLE

Is There Condemnation? Carl Goebel Exhorter Candidate MCC Sacramento

The issue we are dealing with is that of rightly divining the word of truth concerning homosexuality. As Christians, we feel that we have studied to present ourselves approved unto God, unashamed workmen in His service, and that we have the "boldness and access with confidence by the faith of Him" and not by any rationalizati.on of truth or Scripture: "For not he that commendeth himself is approved, but whom the Lord commendeth." The word 'sodomite' is nowhere found in either the Hebrew of the Old Testament or' the Greek of the New. The word that the King James mistranslates as 'sodomite' is the Hebrew word qadesh, literally (Continued on page 10)

HOST CHURCH Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 23rd and Capp Street, San Francisco, will host the Fifth Annual UFMCC General Conference August 7-1l. The church, which shares its facilities with SFMCC will be the site of worship and business conducted by delegates and ministers from 30 states and four countries. In addition to events planned DY the conference staff, ether activities are being planned by the SF gay community to correspond with the five-day conference.

SFMCC To Host Confab SAN FRANCISCO-Gay Christians from the U.S., England, Africa, Canada and Denmark are scheduled to gather here in August for the fifth annual General Conference of the Universal Fellowship of the Metropolitan Community Churches. San Francisco's gay community is already beginning to plan a welcome that delegates won't soon forget. The community throughout the five-day conference, will plan special events to correspond with conference programs. The first two days, beginning Wednesday, August 7, will be devoted to registration, workshops, and committee meetings. Elder James Sandmire, pastor of the host church reports, "There will be plenty of time to get acquainted and settled before the concentrated business sessions begin on Friday." The theme: There is one body ... one Lord, one faith, one baptism ... is taken Sandmire noted, from Ephesians 4:4-5. A half-hour registration period begins both the Wednesday and Thursday schedules at 8:30 a.m. Special Communion services conducted by the district coordinators will follow at 9 a.m. Wednesday. A devotional is scheduled Thursday. Committee meetings and workshops have been scheduled from 9:30 to 11 :30 a.rn. and 1 to 5 p.m. both days. While lunch, is scheduled from 11 :30 a.rn. to 1 p.m. the first four days of the conference. A special dinner for district coordinators is planned for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday. Rev. Bo Daniels, pastor of MCC Cincinnati, will bring God's message to the delegates and friends at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, the annual ministers' dinner will commence at 7:30 p.m. and others attending the conference will have the evening open to take in the sights of (Continued on page 10)

GARY

SCHNEIDER

2/IN UNITY

Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to attend the Fifth Annual General Conference of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches which will convene August 7-11 in San Francisco. This meeting of all the local bodies that make up OUrdenomination has become an unforgettable yearly spiritual feast! It is a time to rekindle the flame of faith in our hearts. It is a time of fellowship. You will meet old friends as well as become acquainted with many new ones. MCCers from 30 states, Canada, England and Nigeria will be gathering in California for Conference. Most important of all, the Lord Jesus will be in OUr midst! Preachers will be preaching. Choirs will be singing. People will be praising. You will not want to miss it! Make YOUrplans now to attend. In Christ, Troy Perry, Moderator

Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches

IN UNITY/3

THE EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK

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San Francisco! A place of dreams! The "Queen's City", nestled precariously on the rolling hills of the Pacific Coast Range along one of the world's greatest natural harbors. A brawling; sprawling, cosmopolitan conglomerate of stately mansions, high-rise apartments, slums, modern businesses, quaint, oldfashioned shops, Chinatown, and the cable car. San Francisco! A blend of the sophisticated and the low brow, the bizarre and the every-day. San Francisco! A place of mystery and intrigue . Sound like a travel brochure? In a way it is. It's a description of what you might find if you plan to attend the Fifth Annual Fellowship General Conference August 7-11. San Francisco is preparing a welcome that only she can give, for the many delegates and guests who plan to join together to sing God's praises and to plan His ministry to His children. The Conference will have its moments of entertainment particular to "Baghdad by the Bay." Moments of romance and candlelight, mystery, and intrigue, as one walks about the City through the narrow streets of Chinatown or on a boat ride about the Bay viewing the now-disintegrating prison, Alcatraz, or beautiful Angel Island. More than this, General Conference will find God's Spirit moving among His children. It will be a time of prayer, a time of shouting, and singing; of quiet contemplation and of a family working together in Love to bring about a new age. MCC has come a long way from those twelve members who gathered in Troy Perry's home six years ago. It has reached the peak of ecstasy in discovering God's love: vibrant, warm, and invigorating, and is open to all who reach out. It has weathered the difficult times of battling internal strife as we sought to do God's will. As long as we continue to to place God first before all else, we shall survive the blasts of ignorance and persecution. We shall come together in San Francisco to share in the Fountain of Life, returning to our homes restored and strengthened to the tasks to which we have been called. "In Christ there is no east or west, In Him no south or north," In Him no straight or gay "All Christly souls are on in Him Throughout the whole wide earth",

San Francisco! A place of dreams, yes. But more than that, a place where we shall gather together IN UN ITY to sing God's praises. Hallelujah!

The Magazine of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches July 1974

Volume IV, NO.4

IN THIS ISSUE HOME AT LAST Richard

Reddinger,

PAUL RICHARDS AT THE PIANO BAR

MCC Los Angeles

FRIDAY THE HOST CHURCH IS THERE CONDEMNATION? Carl Goebel, MCC Sacramento

AND SATURDAY FROM 9:30 SUNDAY FROM 7:30

SFMCC TO HOST CONFAB

BAR OPENS 5:00 P.M.

THE EDITOR'S

MONDAY THRU FRIDAY SUNDAY AT 11 :30

NOTEBOOK

AN APPROACH TO CONFERENCE Rev. Arthur

Green, MCC Chicago

NIGHTLY

THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM Rev. Tom Taylor,

DINNERS SERVED

MCC Sacramento

FROM 6 P.M. 861-9373

DATELINE

GENERAL CONFERENCE PROGRAM

ON BUILDING MONUMENTS TO IRRELEVANCE Rev. James Sandmire,

San Francisco

MCC

LD! WILD! WILD! WILD! WILD! WILD! WILD! WILD! WILD! WILD!

BOUQUETS & BRICKBATS A Readers'

Forum

TO COME Readers of IN UNITY won't want to miss the coming issue. Reports and photographs will cover the General Conference scene in San Francisco.

IN UNITY is published each January, April, July and October by the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, 1 050 South Hill Street, Los Angeles, California路 90015. @ Copyright 1974 by the Universal Fellowship. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or.in part without permission is prohibited. Editorial and circulation offices, 240 North Lassen Street, Willows, California 95988. Advertising offices, Post Office Box 99369, Station 0, San Fran路 cisco, California 94109. Application to mail at 2nd Class' postage rates is pending at Willows. California. Annual 'subscription rate $3.00. Pleaseaddress.aH subscription correspondence and change of address information to 240 North Lassen Street, Willows, California 95988. The publication of any name or advertisement in no way is meant to convey sexual orientation. Opinions expressed by the writers are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or the Universal Fellowship.

1010 BRYAnTfl. IAn FRAnCllCO IN UNITY/S

The momentous up-and-coming days of August 7 through 11 can be all the more important to us in accomplishing God's will if we are prepared for them. These days of the fifth General Conference of UFMCC can make us "Forget those things which lie behind and strain forward to what lies ahead ... pressing on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." The best way for pastors, other ministers and lay delegates to have a successful General Conference responsive to God's will, which inspires and leads this church, is to be preapred for the Conference. And by preparation is not meant clergy and lay delegates arriving burdened and instructed with narrow local concerns intended to be translated into binding legislation for the' whole Fellowship. We must all remember that what is of burning interest in Tuscaloosa is not necessarily of much interest in Pocatello. Further, the correction of what we have heard or assumed to be breaches of Church policy or sound doctrine elsewhere may not necessarily be true, and even if so, cannot usually be effectively cured by General Conference resol utions or even changes in the international By-Laws. Sound preparation for local church representatives is not al ways a series of congregational or constant planning meetings of elected delegates and their ministers. Not that such meetings are wrong, but rather a better preparation is available to those chosen to represent local ch urches,

Crear expression (proclamation) of personal and social Gospel concerns so presented and adopted as to be effectively implemented by local congregations without limiting reasonable choice. This is probably the most important goal of the General Conference. While local concerns are the vital interest of each local parish within our denomination, we as local churches need to be recalled to the fundamentals of our Faith through reaffirmation and by action of our international assembly of the faithful gathered. It is too often possible to let a local building fund or board's pet project, no matter how badly needed or how good, become the consuming interest of the local church. A rigorous proclaiming anew of the Gospel and its full implications to pastors and delegates is a tonic not only to them but for them to carry back to refresh their local churches. Likewise, the collective reaffirmation of the full Gospel can help ministers and leaders of local congregations gain a more balanced view of their ministry. Churches, for example, wherein the overwhelming emphasis is on/ personal religious development (piety, holiness, and cultivating the gifts of the Spirit) need to be called to witness to and serve the needs of the world around them, and particularly the material needs of the men and women of our community. In the same way churches that are most heavily oriented to programs of social service and social activity need

localism. Local groups have to solve their own problems. Only as patterns of problemsare discernable can we legislate effectively to correct or direct local practice. In review of our work between Conferences, we need to have the efforts of our Board of Elders presented ln.a more actionable form one that can be reviewed and acted upon. A localizing of national programs and administration is the key to our Fellowship growth to Christian maturity. As we review the state of the Church at large we must use our experienced members on committees and commissions that will propose suitable alternatives to establishing programs in expanding the effect of God's Word. Alternate programs that promote the Good News need to be the rule for giving a witness to local groups. When and where local churches see that they have options to help meet their own needs, they have and will respond to the high goals set for us as Christians and reaffirmed in and by our General Conference. Local church bodies will be more inclined to be supportive of Fellowship programs. But they must know such programs are a good use of their funds to aid them and other local bodies. And, they must know that such programs offer them sufficient viable alternatives (drawn from the widest possible sources) to do the work of the Christian Church. Knowing that they are so visibly aided, local bodies cannot but respond to the national church who inspires them and

AN APPROACHTO CONFERENCE. That preparation is of study and prayer. It is hoped that all lay and clergy delegates will have read and prayed about all things submitted to them in advance, and, that they will not just consult themselves or even their informed or uninformed fellow congregants, but make sufficient effort for understanding and clarification to the appropriate committees, commissions, or persons who have submitted actionable materials (reports, resolutions, etc.). Of course, the burden is also placed clearly on such committees commissions, boards, etc. to have their materials into the hands of all attending sufficiently in advance of the Conference to allow proper study and adequate proposor-delegate dialogue, written or otherwise. Secondly, and surely the most important part of preparations for Conference is prayer. Delegates, ministerial and lay, should pray for God's guidance for the success of the Conference; not only in private prayer, but collective prayer in the local congregations., Prayers should be .directed towards making the Conference responsive 'to 'God's Will and helping each attendee to be open to the, divine leading of the Holy Spirit. Our prayers should be towards an opening of ourselves to the love of the Almighty - opening us to true spirit of Christian understanding. We must forget .the de, nominational doctrine whichpreviousiy separated us from God and our brothers and sisters, and pray to be ready to respond in Christian compromise to "the upward call of):;od in Christ Jesus," as expressed by others. , ' Bullding upon a cornerstone of Godly prayer' and study, there are four things a GerieralConference must accomplish. The seemingly' complex objectives below, do have very practical results for the meetings of the General Conference itself as welt upon the lives of local congregatlons within the OFMGC:. -

6/IN4N,TY

to be recalled to the emphasis of the life of the Spirit and the development of an individual and congregational life of ordered worship, prayer, Scripture study and personal holiness. It is too easy at Conference to speak only with those whose views we like or with whom whom we are compatible. It is too easy to mistake what we call Christian Fellowship for other attractions. We must seek out at General Conference those whose positions or ideas we think we understand and disagree with and meet in fellowship with them! There is no true fellowship in this Fellowship unless we are united in love and charity with one another - and that means social and spiritual concourse with all of our brothers and sisters. The fullness of the Gospel is not proclaimed in our lives unless we can associate in love with all who try to live and proclaim it. ' When finally we do take action guided by God the Holy Spirit, we need to keep in mind the needs of our local churches so that when we pronounce those high goals and plot those broad programs, we know they can be achieved by local groups as they struggle to meet the needs of God's faithful.

There must be a positive review of and realistic extension of the work of this Church, not adding layers of administration or unrealistic costs, yet 'providing a witness and inspiration to local groups to be supportive of the, overall witness/ program of Ut=MCC Often the untrained and inexperienced mini>'ster or worship coordinator calls-out for reassurance through the proliferation of rules. In dealing with our problems and administrative actions tilk~n to deal with them between Conferences, 'we' need:'toappJY tile rule of,enlightened

REV. ARTHUR

GREEN

Good Shepherd Parish MCC Chicago, Illinois

truly serves the m.

There must be a spiritual renewing/rededicating of ourselves in God through worship services of preaching and holy communion (all designed not to promote anyone kind of piety) in order to carry home to local congregations a higher sense of God's calling.

Worship being one of the prime areas of responsibility and joy for the Christian Church, it is imperative that the UFMCC General Conference provide adequate opportunities for those attending. If God, the Holy Spirit, is to completely lead us in our deliberations and actions, we must be attuned to His Will for us. One of the primary ways God speaks to His Ch urch and to each person is th rough Christian worship. That gathering together of the diversity of His children in a unison of prayer and praise stirs up our hearts and minds and souls in new response for His love and concern for us. But, unfortunately sometimes in our diversity we still hang on to some inappropriate ideas of what worship is and what we personally might like it to be. And, while we celebrate the many traditions from which we were all called by God into His new creation, UFMCC, it behooves us to seek ways of worship that provide a broad middle base upon which all may find meaning. And, while eclecticism is perhaps the middle name of our way of worship, and while we praise God for this ability to build meaningful Worship programs, we must be ever vigilant to avoid extremes. Too often persons seek to pick and choose among' worship services offered, or (Continued

on page 75)

r:l'l\Y\j

hat do you want me to do, church smiting our breasts, reading Lord?" the young man asked, Psalm 86 and crying, 'Oh! Woe is quietly in-prayer. me!" "Build me a church!" came the .In February, 1970, the MCCLA answer. "Build me a church now!". established a commission to study Unusual? Not unless you consider by-laws for the formation of a conthat five years before .this same gregational fellowship. young man had left his pulpit after Th~ San Francisco mission was announcing that he was a homo- ;'launched by ReX. Howard Wells, sexual. , 'February 22, 1970; Rev. Arthur A church for the homosexual? Green established Chicago on May An impossible dream? Not to the 10, and May 19 of that same year Rev. Troy Perry. If God wanted a saw a church in San Diego. church, then a church He would The first by-laws were ratified in get. May and Perry, Lou Loynes, J oh n The rest is history. On October 6, Hose and Rev. Richard Ploen were 1968, Perry held the first service in named as the first Board of Elders. his home in Huntington Park. There Still the fledgling church grew. were 12 people present, nine were Phoenix was organized on July 19. friends. Three had answered an ad The Orange County church, reorplaced in The Advocate, a Los Anganized by Rev. Roger Harrison after geles homophile newspaper. the original failure, joined the flock Today, the Universal Fellowship - on September 20, the same day of Metropolitan Community ChurHonolulu was having its first service. ches has 65 congregations in 30 Work was also begun in Miami states, Canada, Great Britain and and Dallas. Nigeria. The first General Conference, "It was a Mass and, 'a mess," September 25-27,1970, was held in Perry relates, describing that first Los Angeles with eight churches service. "It was a mess in that no represented. Miami was unable to one would help me do anything. send a delegate. Everybody was scared to death and Other things were happening in they kept looking over their shoulthe Fellowship that year. IN UNITY, ders." Several had expected the serwh ich was to become the official vices to be raided, he smiles. publication of the Fellowship, was "It was a Mass in that we really first published in April. It continued felt the moving of the Holy Spirit," monthly publication until 1972 Perry continues. "When we served, when it was reduced to a quarterly Communion, three people came for-" by action of the General Conference. ward that morning. Everyone was in The Samaritan Bible Seminary, tears. now Samaritan Bible School, held The church formally organized its first classes in the Fall of 1970. and chartered January 12, 1969, The school was recently recognized with 12 members. by the State of California, the first "We moved five times that first step in the long road to full acayear," Perry grins. "We told our demic accreditation. congregation, you better not miss a The Second General Conference church service because if you do, was held in Los Angeles in Septemwe're liable to move off somewhere ber 1971, with 20 churches repreand you won't know where to sented. Still more were waiting on find us!" the sidelines. An abortive attempt was made in The delegates, still believing that July 1969, to start a mission in they would soon be welcomed back Orange County. It failed for lack of -to 'their home denominations held leadership. that MCC'was only a tra-n~itory This failu~e! however, did ~ot thing; transitory until the estabcurb the SPirit of the fledgling lished church realized that God's church. It was inevitable that anew love was unrestricted and opened denomination would grow out of their doors to all. Perry's efforts. The Lo~ Angeles conGrowing pains hit the Fellowship gregation was drawing members in 1972. Churches were being added from San Diego to the south and to the roster faster than trained Santa Barbara to the north. News of ministers could be found. The euPerry's activities and the rapid phoria of the first discovery that growth of the church attracted atGod really did love us, had begun tention from the news media across to wane. Many of the church leaders the world. Inquiries began to come began to realize the doors of the esin from places far and near about tablished church were not going to beginning churches elsewhere. be thrown open. Those who only "We got tired of standing around wanted to "play" church began to waiting," Perry says. "We were tired (Continued on page 79) of standing outside the established

REv. TOM TAYLOR MCC Sacramento

IN UNITY/7

S/1N

路C

UNhy

PERRY, CARLTON, DOWN UNDER

VISIT

LOS ANGELES-Fellowship moderator Rev. Troy Perry and Rev. Lee Carlton, chairman of the Fellowship Commission on Missions and Evangelism, will leave for a 21路day tour of Australia and New Zealand July 4. The trip will take them to all six Australian states - New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, Tasmania, Queensland, and South Australia - as well as Wellington, New Zealand's capital. The two leaders plan to meet and tal k with those who have expressed interest in establishing the church 'down under'. "We pray for God's continued blessing," Rev. Perry said, noting the Fellowship has truly become international in scope. The Fellowship, which began in Perry's apartment with 12 people in 1968, has grown to encompass 63 congregations in four nations - England, Canada, Nigeria, and the United States.

full panty with the other chartered churches after eight months in mission status. Official services were delayed until Perry's visit.

TWO TO SEEk MISSION STATUS OKLAHOMA CITY , Okla.-The Tulsa and Houston study groups will be requesting mission status shortly, according to South Central District Coordinator Rev. Robert Falls of Oklahoma City. Both are experiencing rapid growth. Exhorter Lee Mullendore is worship coordinator at Tulsa while exhorters Floyd Brummett and Bill Baaer are serving in Houston. The district recently held a spiritual renewal weekend in Dallas and is planning an October conference in New Orleans. The district recently adopted by-laws and confirmed its officers in February. Rev. David Carden, acting pastor of Dallas, is assistant coordinator and Gary R. Lewis of Oklahoma City is the representative to the Fellowship Women's Commission.

LONDON MOVES TO NEW QUARTERS

CAMPUS MINISTER

LONDON, England-The Fellowship in Christ the Liberator MCC here moved to new quarters at the Pimlico Community Aid Centre on Longmoore Street, May 12. Communion services will continue to start at 8 p.rn. The move, hopefully is only a temporary one, until a permanent home can be found. The congregation is currently developing plans for a study group in Birmingham, England's "second city." Plans are also underway to host Rev. Keith Davis of Miami and Elder John Hose this month. Eneouragement is also being given to a group in Copenhagen, Denmark. It is hoped the group there will soon seek to come under the UFMCC umbrella. The Rt. Rev. Bj垄rn Marcussen, the Copenhagen leader, is expected to join the London party for General Conference in San Francisco next month.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.-A challenge of faith, providing hard but rewarding work, exists for the qualified minister or layperson who can minister to a college community. The Metropolitan Community Church Student Association of Pennsylvania State University in University Park, Pennsylvania is an established on-campus student organization and holds equal status with the Catholic, Episcopal, Lutheran Student Associations and the United Campus Ministry. The MCC Student Association has received full support from the student government, the other religious organizations and the Homophiles of Penn State. The work is challenging but has great potential and many rewards. Due to the intensity of studies, worship coordinator Charles Rinear, who is completing his doctorate in Health Education, cannot continue ministering to this college community. A minister for this community will have to obtain secular employment for personal financial support. And, unless he or she becomes a student, will have to find off-campus housing. Both employment and housing can be obtained. Applicants should send their resumes to: Rev. J.E. Paul Breton, District Coordinator, Northeast District, c/o MCC Baltimore Mission P.O. Box 1145, Baltimore, Maryland 21203. '

DAUGHTER

BORN

KANSAS C~TY, Mo.-The Revs. Vic and Carri Ann Adams are the proud parents of a daughter, Catherine Anne, born May 25. Catherine weighed in at 7 Ibs. and 4J12oz. Catherine will be christened at General Conference in San Francisco in August. Vie Adams is district coordinator {or the Mid-Central District and pastor of the church here.

TORONTO

CHARTERED

TORONTO, Canada-The MCC here was officially chartered in a special weekend program on June 7, 8 and 9 during a visit from Rev. Troy D. Perry, founder of the Fellowship. The church received its charter March 9 in Boston during the Eastern Miriisterial Conference. The congregation met the criteria for

SOUGHT

ST. LOUIS IS CHARTERED ST. LOUIS, Mo.-MCC St. Louis was officially chartered into the Universal Fellowship April 21. Gay St. Louis Christians now had a church, one dedicated to Christian Love and Jesus Christ. Elder Richard Vincent presented Rev. Carol Cureton with the charter. The congregation had been a mission amid November 1973. The 76 charter members represented the "largest charter request in the Fellowship his-

tory," Elder Vincent reported. An estimated 150 attended the service. "You have accepted a big responsibility to bring the Word to St. Louis," Rev. Vincent told the congregation. "We have been each individually called and brought together to do the work of God. "Here is a church for everyone,'; he stressed. "It will not condemn or judge. MCC has a basic doctrine. We don't tell you what to do. Only you can decide for yourself. what is good or bad for you. Your relationship with God is a personal thing-the experience you have must be a personal experience. "As a collective body you can come together to share, exchange each others' experiences. "By the content of love of God and as a family body, you must reach out," he concI uded. Representatives, incl uding Rev. Vic Adams, the district Coordinator,' joined the congregation in celebration.

DISTRICT MEET IS SPIRITUAL HIGH DENVER, Colo.-All of you who have been to an MCC District or General Conference know what great spiritual renewals they are, up and above the business. This was especially true at the recent Mid-Central District Conference. Even the location, since the splendor of the Rocky Mountains at the YMCA camp outside Estes Park, Colorado was a religious experience of its own. Some 160 members from MCC's in St. Louis, Kansas City, Omaha, and Denver got together with a good number from each church. St. Louis even chartered a bus for their group, which I believe is a story in itself. None of these churches are more than a year old, so for many this was their first experience at a conference. Not only were the facilities and location excellent, but the presence of four Elders did much to help things along. Each Elder held workshops on various aspects of the church's work, which were very helpful to the many newer members. This interest and support of a new district was greatly appreciated. Elders present were Rev. John Hose, Pastor of MCC San Diego; Rev. Richard Ploen, Dean of Samaritan Bible School; Rev. Richard Vincent, Pastor of MCC New Orleans; and Rev. Freda Smith, Pastor of MCC Sacramento. Elders Smith and Vincent spoke on a local radio talk show, and were interviewed by Rocky Mountain News, which ran a large article on the church and conference. The chartering of MCC of the Rockies was of special interest in that a church' was chartered in Denver about three years ago. Later events made Denver the most notorious words in the Fellowship. When Rev. Charles Arehart of MCC (Continued on page 76)

IN UNITY/9

and there are some eunuchs (like the Ethiopian eunuch), which were made eunuchs of men: .and there be eunuchs (like the Apostle Paul), which have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake. He that is able to receive it, let him receive it." The Christian is not bound by the-Mosaic Law:

IS THERE CONDEMNATION? (Continued from page 7)

'consecrated one', who was a male in a given community 'set apart for the purpose of cult prostitution. His female counterpart was a qadeshah. These two nouns are well translated in the Revised and New American Standard versions: "There shall be no cult prostitute (qadeshah) of the daughters of Israel, neither shall there be a cult prostitute (qadesh) of the sons of Israel." Deuteronomy 23:17. The incident at Sodom was not a case of cult prostitution, but translating qadesh as 'sodomite' incorrectly associates that incident with cult prostitution. ("Templeprostitute," James Moffatt and the Modern Language Bible.) "Neither .â&#x20AC;˘â&#x20AC;˘ molakol, nor arsenokoital ... shall inherit

the kingdom

of God."

"The Scripture has shut up all men under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. But before faith came,' we were kept in custody under the law, being shut up to the faith which was later to be revealed. Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, that we may be justified by faith. But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor. Galatians 3:22-25

First Corinthians

6:9 The plural noun malakoi (literally 'soft ones') describes the young or more 'effeminate' males used as catamites in the Greek culture. This word, weakly translated 'effeminate' in the King James, is the New Testament equivalent of the qadesh of Hebrew Seciptures, Here we find Paul restating the prohibition of Deuteronomy against - cult prostitution using the word malakoi. ' ' At Sodom the case was that of attempted gang rape "Bring them out unto us, that we may know them!" not of cult or temple prostitution. In Paul's condemnation of homosexual perversion in First Corinthians, he makes a clear distinction between cult prostitution and aggressive lustful behavior. "Neither malakoi, nor arsenokoitai ... " He distinguishes here between malakoi, the catarnites or cult prostitutes, and arsenokoitai, sensual "abusers of themselves with mankind" of which the participants in the incident at Sodom were prime examples. These two words are well translated 'catamites' and 'sodomites' respectively by both James, Moffatt and in the jerusalem Bible. Many translations, including the following, make no distinction between these two terms: Revised Standard Version, l.iv-: inq, Amplified, New English, Good News for Modern Man, etc. Most Christians not only fail to distinguish between these two terms, but also fail to understand that it is the perversion of homosexualitY,'arsenokoitai, that is here expressed, not a condemnation of the natural homosexual relationship, philomo-

phylia.

An example of this is found in the second half of the first chapter of Romans which is not a condemnation of homosexuality as is commonly assumed, but rather the idolatry of those "who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator." God's chastisement for such behavior, as with Sodom, was that He "gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves." However, that to which God gave them up was not homosexual nature, philomophylia, but rather homosexual perversion, arsenokoltai: -: "God gave them Up' unto vile affections ... to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are are not confenient ... without natural affection."

Nowhere in the Greek Scriptures are found the words denoting homosexual nature: phllomophylla, literally 'love of the same sex,' or in briefer form, homophilia, love of the same.' On the other hand, the word for unnatural homosexual behavior, the perversion of homosexual nature, appears in the condemnations in First Corinthians 6:9 and First Timothy 1: 10. This word is arsenokoital, literally 'liers with a male,' inferring no love whatsoever. Without condemnation Christ Himself makes mention of homosexuality by nature in Matthew 19:12 in relation to a man in a marital relationship with a woman. The context of the passage is the discussion on marriage and divorce, after which the disciples state bluntly, "If the case of the man be so with his wife, it is not good to marry." But He said to them, "All men cannot receive this saying, save them to whom it is given. For there are some eunuchs (philomophylia), which were so born from their mother's womb; and there are some eunuchs 10jlN

UNITY

The blanket prohibition of homosexuality in the Law "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind" - is not restated in the New Covenant. For apart from prostitution (malakoi) and lustful aggression iarsenokoitati, the homosexual relationship is not forbidden therein. Today our ministries are not unlike that of Peter's, in which he was admonished, "What God hath cleansed, that call not common." (Acts 10:15.) He was instructed to let go of the letter of the Law and to take hold of its liberating Spirit, as he later relates to the household of Cornelius: "Ye know that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come unto one of another nation; but God hath showed me that I should not call any man common or unclean."

There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law ofthe Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death. For what the Law could not do, weak as it was through the flesh, God did: sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and as an offering for sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who do _not wal k according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.

SAN FRANCISCO MCC TO HOST CONFAB (cont'd from front page)

San Francisco, "The Queen's City". Registration again tops the conference schedule on Friday, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Elder John Hose, MCC San Diego, will bring the keynote address at 9 a.m. and set the stage for the business sessions which follow at 10 a.m. Seating the delegates is expected to take most of the morning, Friday; the afternoon business session is scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m, Saturday's schedule is similar to Friday's. Worship begins the day at 9 a.m. The business sessions begin again at 9:30 a.m. Dinner Friday is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. Rev. Sandrnire will bring the message during the evening service at 7:30 p.m. A special music worship program is scheduled on Saturday. Elder Richard Vincent, MCC New Orleans, will bring the morning message 10:30 a.rn., Sunday. The service will also include the ordination of new ministers and the baptism of Rev. Vic and Cari Adams' daughter. An additional business session has been set aside for 2 p.m. if needed. Rev. Troy Perry, Fellowship moderator and founder, will bring the evening message at 7:30 p.m. The service will also feature the Fellowship choirs, testimonies, and the official conference hymn: The Churches One Foundation. "We've been planning for months," Sandmire said. '~We're looking forward to hosting the conference."

FIFTH ANNUAL

UNIVERSAL

GENERAL CONFERENCE

FELLOWSHIP OF METROPOLITAN

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AUGUST 8

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•

IN UNITYjll

REV. JAMES SANDMIRE UFMCC BOARD OF ELDERS Pastor, MCC San Francisco

Two years ago I was given an opportunity to preach the Sunday service at General Conference. The message I stressed was that MCC was here to stay and that we must strive to assure the continuing relevancy of the Fellowship to the Christian community. I suggested we must be Christ-centered, open to spiritual manifestations of the Holy Spirit and truly ecumenical. As a Christian community, 'I urged a greater committment to opening the Fellowship meaningfully to women, young people, minority groups and straights. As I have prepared for the meeting of the Commission on Fellowship, Faith and Order during this conference, I have concluded the Fellowship is well on its way to disregarding many of the tenets of that sermon, Increasingly. I fear we are building church structures and codifying church rules that are out of date by standards of today's straight churches and are "monuments to irrelevance" for the community we seek to serve. Most tragic to me, they are monuments that have little to do with Jesus Christ. We have confused the building of an enduring Fellowship with denominationalism. One of the most attractive tenets of the early Fellowship was that we were building a community for people of all Christian faiths who could not worship comfortably in established churches, and that the community would endure only as long as it was needed and relevant. Over the last two years, we have reacted to separatist tendencies and the need to revise the by-laws by concentrating on "institutionalizing" the Fellowship. New by-laws, professionalization of the clergy, a stricter and more detailed statement of faith, construction of a hierarchy, increasing power to the pastor of Board of Directors with less congregational consultation, committees and more committees,

rules for clergy dress to make sure they are more acceptable to those with traditional ideas of the division of the clergy from the people, proper behavior standards (one for the clergy and one for the people because the clergy must be "holier than thou") are all symptoms of our preoccupation with a "new phariseeism". They show a concern for legalistic details and externals rather than with the basic message and mission of the church - to proclaim the "Good News" of Jesus Christ.

They show il concern for legalistic details and externals rather than with the basic message and mission of the church _. to proclaim the "Good News" of Jesus Christ. Our ecumenical stance is largely myth and many of our people feel betrayed. The movement toward evangelical or mildly fundamentalist theology combined with a liturgical Communion is not ecumenism.

People do not leave groups that provide a relevant, exciting message and fulfilling work. The largest group without churches remains male, 30 years old and older. We are fail ing to attract large numbers of young people or of ethnic groups. We have more women than two years ago, but they still comprise a small percentage of our total membership. The turnover of members who come to church, then drop away is very large. People do not leave groups that provide a relevant, exciting message and fulfilling work. There is also the risk of conservatism within the church. Many of us left the churches in the 1950's or early 1960's because we felt unacceptable to God or the church. As we re-enter this Fellowship, many of us seem determined to make our individual churches into copies of the churches we left. I suppose this may suggest to some that we have truly been accepted by God.

The irony is that the churches we left 1 5 or 20 years ago are no longer the same. Even the most conservative denominations have responded to church-wide renewal and are changing directions, discarding institutions and thinking new thoughts. Our trend is in the opposite direction and it results in our becoming more and more irrelevant to seeking Christians of the 1970's. Most of our churches are not growi ng or they are doing so very slowly (despite our propaganda). It is a cosmetic covering in the best McLuhanism tradition of conforming style with substance. Individual churches either adopt or react to the theology through the personal opinion of the pastor. This action/reaction is continuing to cause many in the Fellowship to feel out of step and unwanted - a curious phenomenon for a rei igious group founded to give a church home to the unwanted. We must adopt the following basic assumptions to assure the Fellowship will be a vital, relevant religious experience for all of us.

Our theology must remain simple, basic and revolutionary. Our theology must remain simple, basic and revolutionary. Our Lord was a revolutionist. He centered on the love of God, our responsibility to others and the simple expressions of piety and goodness. He consorted with the sinner, the outcast, the weak and the humble; he warned against the legalist, the rich and the proud. He believed religion should serve to bring all people close to God and one another. He talked of the heart and almost nothing of external evidences of rei igiosity. We are too concerned with differing belief. The love of God, the need for a Savior, the loving sacrifice of Christ, salvation through the grace of God, the value of the Christian life, the renewal of our spirit in baptism, Communion and prayer - these are

•• ••ILI_

12/IN UNITY

•••••• TI '.IIIELEII••

(Continued

on page 17)

It is important that we work together to build the Kingdom of God. In order to accomplish this we must communicate. We welcome your letters expressing your views on any subject. This column will be a forum open to any and all. There are a few ground rules however. 7) We will not publish anonymous letters. We will withhold the name of the writer, if requested, but the letter must be signed. 2) Letters without constructive criticism, either positive or negative, will not be considered for print, nor will personal attacks on churches, their ministers, staff or individual members. 3) Letters seeking information will be forwarded to the individual or department which can best reply to your inquiries. Send all letters to IN UNITY, 240 North Lassen Street, Willows, California 95988.

PERIODICALS NEEDED Dear Friend, I read in John Hose's newsletter that you need back issues of Fellowship publications so at to get an idea of what's going on. I have scraped together the enclosed material - back issues of our little magazine [Gay Christian, Ed.] , flyers, folders, etc. I wish you well with IN UNITY. With best regards, REV. ROY BIRCHARD Pastor, MCC New York Dear Tom, We just received the 25 copies of the January '74 issue of IN UNITY. I will announce Sunday to the congregation that they are available. Now, to something about the new look to the publication. I am very impressed and truly hope that the quality can be maintained. Should you ever find anything in the VALLEY PARACLETE (your name is now on our mailing list), feel free to do so. All we ask is that credit be given. I would assume that the IN UNITY publication is taking up most of the time and money. However, as other items are published - especially in the way of tracts - I would hope that you will let us know. We have a very great need for such. Good luck and God bless you in your endeavors. Yours in Christ, REV. JOHN B. ROWE Pastor, MCC in the Valley North Hollywood, California

â&#x20AC;˘

I would like to thank everyone who has added IN UN ITY to their mailing list and advance permission to quote from published periodicals. It is a step forward in bridging the communications gap. We will make every effort to maintain and improve the quality of IN UNITY. Hearing from al/ of you out=there will go a long way towards keeping us on our toes. IN UNITY is currently taking all the money

and time, but plans are being developed for tracts and other publications. All pastors and church clerks will be notified as soon as anything is available. T. T. JANUARY

IN MARCH,

conference in A tlanta. I felt there should be such a record. There was also new copy - the biographies, the story on the Elders, and the brief treasurer's report. All of these would have current interest to our readers. T. T.

LATE?

Dear Rev. Taylor, Although IN UNITY is a beautiful enjoyable magazine, I feel I must say that reading the January issue that we received in March, containing articles about the conference that took place in August is something else!!! A bit late, non? .. In HisIove, E. CHARLES CARTIER Treasurer, MCC Phoenix Dear Tom, Many thanks indeed for the new IN UNITY. As editor of our own church journal, I certainly appreciate all the work that must have gone into it and was very impressed by the finished product ... a journal worthy of our church. The January edition did notreach us until mid-April. God bless and keep you. In Christ's love, yours JO McVAY-ABBOTT Secretary, MCC London The Fellowship of Christ the Liberator

I regret the lateness of the january issue and am taking all stepspossible to correct this situation in the future. I was appointed editor in. December and had hoped to make the january deadline. Production problems made this impossible. It was ready for distribution in February, but lack of funds delayed mailing until March. (London did not receive their copies until April because they were not sent air mail - this has been corrected). Another problem was the inaccuracies in the mailing list. Many congregations have not kept the Fellowship aware of address changes. I make 'no apologies on the sub-

ject matter in the january issue. There had been no official report on the September

PRAISES FLOW! Reverend Taylor, This issue of IN UNITY [April, 1974, Ed.] is outstanding. I was able to very proudly advertise it in the pulpit of our church and have it on our layout table in the church for general reading. I am really pleased with your publication and pray the Lord will really bless you in this work. Your brother in Christ, REV. J. E. PAUL BRETON Northeast District Coordinator Baltimore, Maryland

I appreciate the many kind words I've received concerning the january and April issues. They make it all worthwhile. Efforts by the graphics and printing firms, the talented writers who donated their material, the fine cooperation of ministers and laypersons throughout the Fellowship, the full support of the Board of Elders and an abiding faith that God is the moving force have made it all possible. T.T.

MORE SCHOLARSHIP Dear Tom, IN UNITY is an attractive publication in terms of layout. You've done a nice job. But the contents, excluding reprints of the GAY CHRISTIAN, are not appealing to me. I was hoping that IN UNITY would be a forum in which the question of what it means to be a gay Christian could be explored. The contents, .with above-mentioned exceptions, so far do not indicate an interest in that concern. Recently you wrote Roy [Rev. Roy Birchard (Continued

on page 78)

IN UNITYj13

WOMEN'S

CONFERENCE

SUCCESS IN NORTHWEST

The Second Annual Northwestern District Women's Conference in Sacramento, California, was such an enormous success, plans are being made to expand it nationwide next year. The women met for three days in workshops, worship, and sisterhood. The conference adopted several resolutions which will be introduced and discussed during a special workshop at General Conference in August, in San Francisco.

': {'=Tr •

Sisterhood

workshops

and discussions

and caring.

Did you hear the one about .•. ?

. . .

...

_ i

AN APPROACH TO CONFEREN"CE â&#x20AC;˘ (Continued trampaqe 6)

BERT'S CARPETS & INTERIORS

even depart from certain worship services if a portion of that service does- not fit into their past experience or preference. This means we are trying to offer too many variations in style of worship appropriate to a Community Church.

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We need a good balance of traditions gained mostly from those churches in the mainstream of Christendom and not too many formats of worship. General Conference', is where we can

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have good examples

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To identify any specific kind of hymns or style of preaching as typical of UFMCC is certain to limit the worship experience. In order to avoid such thinking we must provide a sufficient variety of hymns and services in order to assure the great middle ground of Christian worship needed to build a unity.in our diversity.

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This should follow locally as well as at General Conference: Making sure that the delegates and ministers attending the General Conference are able to worship at the beginning of each day as well as at the principal evening activity is a necessity. There must be an opportunity for daily Holy Communion as, well. This is the only way for those.assembled to be adequately fed spiritually.

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Ultimately we must have the presenting' of a dear witness to the world of God's concern for all of us -r- realizing a need for order and authority within our Fellowship -, yet clearly affirming that not one or a few, but many voices in many places speak for MCC's witness.

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It is the duty of UFMCCinot to abandon or dissipate its witness that God loves gays. And, while we reject the appelation of being "The Gay Church" (we are a Christian Church), we need to remember that as long as prejudice and misunderstanding exist, it is our duty to proclaim at Conference, the Way, the Light, and the Truth. We also need to be working toward useful strategies for implementing the truth of the Gospel in a unified way so that there can be a definitive statement and pattern for the Church as a whole to use as an example. We need persons of expertise and experierice to work through some fundamental problems and how to approach them.

The many voices raised in throughout the land must be experienced voices, able not but to know what they are Fellowship must then provide try for local church bodies.

UFMCC churches vital, trained and only to proclaim proclaiming. The the best in minis-

We must mature in Christ, not only as local congregations participating in and forming the whole UFMCC denomination, but we must also mature in God's love so local churches will really grow. This local growth is not just in numbers, but In stature in Christ.

Our people, our congregations, our whole Church must be taught what and who is the center of our lives. And, we must live within that Christian love in Christ Jesus; Only in that way, will we present the fullness. of the Gospel, knowing that God's love is preached and practiced everywhere throughout our Fellowship. If we -are unable to achieve this spirit at General Conference, we shall not be able to proclaim or live it anywhere for long.

INUNITY/15

DATELINE

ger Harrison moderated the business meetings. The District accepted financial responsibilit; for a prison ministry to prisons in our .area, sent a request for by-law change on the procedure for replacing a pastor, dropped the February District Conference, suggested the next Spring conference be a spiritual renewal mountain retreat, and' accepted the invitation to hold the November meeting in Las Vegas. The Home Missions Board approved the requests of Escondito and Las Vegas for Mission Status, and the request of Pomona to become a Study Group under the guidance of the Rev. Paul Van Heeke, This was the largest mountain conference in the history of the Pacific SW District.

(continued from page 9)

PULPIT VACANT

Above: Rev. Charles Arehart (I) receives charter for MCC of the Rockies from Rev. Richard Vincent of the Rockies accepted the charter from Rev. Vincent and ended his brief comments with " ... Denver is glad to be back in the Fellowshlp.l' the instantaneous and th underous applause reflected the special joy on the occasion. In short, MCC is alive and well in the Great Plains cities of America. Expansion is centering on a study group in Lincoln, Nebraska, and other cities are being considered.

SOUTHWEST DISTRICT MOUNTAIN RETREAT

RIVERSIDE, Ca.-The Rev. Randy Cypherd, Pastor, hosted the Pacific SW District at Camp Redford, May 31路June 2 in a well-organized Spiritual Renewal Retreat. Clear air and snow topped mountains greeted delegates each morning. Bob Sirico, Troy Perry, and Connie Daniel preached; Shawn Farrell, Lee Carlton, .and Clonnie Lambert prayed, and Randy Cypherd, John Rose, and John Hose celebrated. Philip Eadon was parliamentarian, and Rod-

PHI LADELPHIA, Pa.- The pulpit of Metropolitan Community Church has been vacant since December 31, 1973. MCC Philadelphia was founded in October, 1971 by Walter Applebaum, with assistance from MCC Washington. Applebaum acted as worship coordinator until he resigned his position in January, 1972, and moved to New York. In February of 1972, Gary Miller, a licensed exhorter of MCC Los Angeles was sent to Philadelphia by the Board of Elders to pastor the church. He left at the end of the same month in which he arrived. The church was without a pastor for three months. Rev. Keith D. Davis, now pastor of Christ MCC Miami was named. Davis led the church to chartering in July 1972, and pastored the church until resignation in March 1973. Jay Neely was made acting pastor whil; he was a licensed exhorter and then pastor when he was licensed as a Minister. He resigned December 3D, 1973. Rev. Arthur Cazeault, pastor of MCC Providence, was interim pastor for January and Elder Rev. Troy D. Perry served in February. This church is the sixth largest ch urch in the Universal Fellowship, but has suffered a rash of very intense internal problems. Yet it offers a fine pulpit for a minister who is not afraid of challenge and is well-founded in his/her faith. Applicants should send their resumes to: Rev. J.E. Paul Breton, District Coordinator, Northeast District, c/o MCC Baltimore Mission, P.O. Box 1145, Baltimore, Maryland 21203.

GREAT LAKES ELECTS OFFICERS INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.~May 25th saw the second of the three yearly District Conferences of the Great Lakes District of U FMCC. The ministers, district officers, and elected delegates assembled at the MCC Indianapolis newly-acquired house-church building. There were any number of items on the business agenda, including the election of district officers. Elected were the Rev. Arthur R. Green, district coordinator, Rev. Anthony Clemente, assistant district coordinator, Robert Newman, district secretary, and Herb Shannon, district treasurer. This is the third time Pastor Green has been elected and makes him the longest continuously serving district coordinator in the Feltowshlp. The Board of Home Missions of the district met and took the action of appointing a worship coordinator for the Lexington, Ky. study group and appointing mission status for the Akron, Ohio study group. MCC Indianapolis provided three wonderful meals, and a dance for those delegates able to remain in the evening following the day-long conference.

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One of the original 12, and a man who has come to mean "stand up and sing" to rnany t", MCCers, Rev. Willie Smith,gave personal tribute to the Rev. Troy D. Perry, founder, with his' rendition of "The lrnpossibleDream.' The current pastor of the mother church, Rev. Lee J. Carlton, took the podium. The sen- ' sation that we were home at last swept over us as he introduced Rev. Troy D. Perry. Perry spoke about the dream that he had five years ago - that all God's people could hear the words of the Lord and worship together as one. He tal ked about the fir~t beginnings of MCC and the original 12 that shared the dream - now come true - for a church home where there is no discrimination against anyone; where there is acceptance for one and all. '. One of the most 'noted leaders of the gay community and a noted filmmaker in his own right, Pat Rocco, spoke bringing greetings and his own personal support of MCC. A number of dignitaries from the community were present. Those speaking were Morris'Klght, nationally known gay rights worker; Robert Thompson, representing City Attorney Bert Pines' office; Robert Stevenson, from the Los Angeles City Council; and Richard Atatore, Assemblyman from the C~lifornia State Assern-

ON BUILDING MONUMENTS TO IRRELEVANCE ' (Continued from page 72)

the "stuff of the Gospel." We all believe more than this, but this is the minimum all must believe and no more should be required of any of us.

Our institutions and organizations sliould be simple, non-hierarchical, fluid, and task-oriented. . The offices in our organization should, be minimal. Ideally, a taskshould bede-: fined by the minister orthecongregatlon. Those 'interested in the task should flow ,to it and define together its objectives, time frames, activities and evaluation procedure. When the task is completed, the task group should disband. The use of a small group of Board members and a deacon to do the work of the church should be discarded in favor of broad participation by the general church membership in democratic meetings. A church operating this way will find its methods difficult" but the rewards in the growth of all' the congregation will be great. While clergy needs training, its professional separation from the congregation worries me. The writer of Hebrews proproclaimed all Christians "a royal priesthood." While the clergy have devoted their lives completely to the ministry, I want their training. to emphasize their roots in the people.

We mustcorisistently define-ourselves as a Fellowship and not as a denomination. " We do this by emphasizing

bly, presented the church with a plaque in commemoration of the event. '.... ., J ames Irving directed a 35-voice choir through a moying version of "Bless This House." Carlton, in the dedication sermon stated, "We have come a long way since the beginning - a long way toward the end of revolution. that the gay people have begun and will finilh with the understanding and help of all people who can feel empathy for our cause." The order of worship included a Service of Dedication conducted by the Board of Elders and was followed by our own Ms. Linda Taylor, who sang Handel's If God Be For Us Then Who Can Be Against Us? She was accor ipanied by Lucky Choi at the piano. Following the Communion service a special brunch prepared by Bill Thorne was served in the social hall for aJI members and guests. This was a special day. for all of us, and one that we will not soon forget. Finally realizing that, if we stand together, united in one effort with faith, we can accomplish what we set out to do. Sure, we have been oppressed for a long time, and the fight is not yet finished. We will have struggles and hardships to face again, but one thing is for sure - we're not afraid any more, and we won't run from anyone or anything. We may bend a little, but believe us WE STAND UNITED.

(Continued from page one)

the inde-

pendence of our congregations, by encouraging diversity of worship and practice (why do our worship services have to look alike?), by drawing ourselves together in our commitment to openness, to the validity of the gay Christian life, and to our decisions openly arrived at during our General Conference. Our religious services should be open participative and varied to the needs of the individual congregations.

We must not be afraid of innovatisrn or new directions. , The church ofCh~ist is truly revelatory in the sense that the Holy Spirit guides it daily. A revelatory church group is constantly re-interpreting the old message of the Gospel in new, relevant and exciting ways. The traditions of the church must be evaluated. However, a ehurch like ours has never been seen on the earth. Why do we have to be confined to old forms; overworked conventions or useless formalations? We can do new things,· never before done or, thought in the whole history of the Christian church. These are only a few directions we may travel. The exciting thing is that we' are

not bound by anything other than God, the Scriptures and the Holy Spirit.

We can challenge the whole Christian faith to a reexamination of 'its most . cherished fundamentals. The result can be a faith grounded in fundamental truths about our Lord Jesus Christ stated in new, vital and living ways. " IN UNITYj17

BOUQUETS &BRICKBATS (Continued from page 13)

in New York, ed.] and in your letter you noted your hesitancy and/or unwillingness to tackle "scholarly" and by implication, theological material. From my viewpoint that's the very area that MCC must address itself to in the long run. The theological, ethical and pastoral implications of our ministry are of essential importance that they deserve to be discussed in the Fellowship's official publication. Now, the above criticism is meant to be constructive. And I'm aware that you probably see pressure coming from the Board of Elders to make IN UNITY a public relations type publication. Certainly the first issue was a great publicity coup for the Board of Elders. You have a hard assignment. And you will never please everyone! I know that. So please forgive me if my criticism seems harsh or unfair. Cordially, REV. HOWARD WELLS Pastor, MCC Brooklyn I appreciate your candor and your criticism. It is only through this type of frank exchange that we can grow in understanding. I believe our difference lies in the basic concept of the magazine.

It is not intended that it be a stuffy periodical designed for the intellectual or the clergy; nor is it a "public vehicle" for publicity-starved church leaders. IN UNITY has been given the impossible task of being a voice for the many factions of the Fellowship. I must be able to balance the theological and scholarly articles with something light, including photographs. I also need news articles covering what's happening of interest in other areas. When I receive well-written scholarly or theological material, I will publish it; they take time to develop. The first issue was a Board of Elders' issue because many of our members know very little about the women and men who have dedicated their lives to God through the Fellowship. It is important that we know our leaders. I received no pressure from the Elders nor have they indicated they would do so. It was my decision to devote space to them, because there is a need. IN UNITY, if it is to succeed as a publication, must have a broad appeal not only to the clergy, but to the laity as well. From experience, a magazine without this broad general appeal will find little or no acceptance. Without a media for exchanging ideasandnews events, the Fellowship cannot hope to hold itself together, Communication is essential to our UNITY

SomethinG 10, ".'yotr. 1121 POLK STREET 441-7798

San Francisco

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and SUCCESS. I need your help if we are to raise the issues which are important to you. Before I can develop the forum you suggest, I need the copy. We gladly accept any offered. T. T.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

SOUGHT

Dear Madam/Sir, Recently the assistant pastor of the Seattle MCC introduced me to your publication. I would like to subscribe to IN UNITY for a year. Please jot a note below telling me the subscription rate, including postage. Thanks. Sincerely, B.W.R. Bellingham, Washington Dear Sirs, Recently I happened to see a copy of IN UNITY which covered our last General Conference in the pastor's office and upon asking him where I might purchase one I was informed that the Mother Church did not receive copies of that particular issue. If possible, I would like to receive at least five copies of that issue as I've managed to keep everyone since they first began as more or less a collector's item. Whatever the cost, I will be happy to send it to you before you issue them to me. Thanking you in advance for your consideration. Yours in Christ, JAMES E. IRVING Choir Director, MCC Los Angeles Distribution of IN UNITY is being handled through local congregations. A subscription department has not been organized. If the local congregation is not receiving enough copies for distribution, they should notify me at once. Copies will be mailed direct to individuals in areas not served by a MCC congregation for a donation of 75 cents per copy or $3.00 per year. Requests should be mailed to 240 North Lassen Street, Willows, CA. 95988. Any congregation not receiving the quarterly shipment should notify us at once. T. T.

THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM (Continued from page 7)

be replaced by those dedicated to God and His Son, Jesus Christ. Delegates at the Third General Conference authorized the Board of Elders to petition for membership in the National Council of Churches. A need for stronger better defined by-laws was making itself felt and work, started the year before, was continued. Action was delayed until everyone had been able to study the proposals. The Denver church threatened to leave the Fellowship because California Assemblyman Willie L. Brown, Jr. of San Francisco had been invited to speak at the conference. They later withdrew from the Fellowship when their demands for reform and stronger representation on the Board of Elders were not met. Threats of doom began to circulate. There was much tongue wagging and nodding of their heads. Those sure a "gay" church couldn't last were saying, "I told you so." MCC proved more durable than the tongue-waggers figured. The pull-out of Denver did not dampen the Fellowship's growth. The problems we were all facing as we met the hard demands of growth and persecution brought us closer together. The year 1973 was a "wierd, wierd year for us," Perry says, shaking his head. "On January 27 the Mother Church burned - arson - burned to the ground! March 2, our meeting place in Nashville, Tennessee - arson - burned to the ground! June 24, that terrible fire in New Orleans in which our minister and 10 of our members were burned to death - arson the cause! July 27, our meeting place in San Francisco - arson - burned to the ground! January 25, 1974, our meeting place in Venice, California - arson burned to the ground!" "The persecution, the inner turmoils, and the martyrs, strengthened our resolve. " "We at MCC have made up our minds about one thing," Perry stresses. "They may blow us up; they may burn us out, but we'll never, ever, be chased out of the city ever again." The delegates converged on Atlanta for the Fourth General Conference in September, 1973, not knowing what to expect. Many came expecting- trouble. It also marked the first international conference. Canada and Great Britain had become part of the Fellowsh ip during the difficul t year. The differences which marked the first three conferences, became the strengths of a new merging denomination. As the work of the first day merged into the second and then into the third, it was apparent the Spirit was moving and MCC would stand; a "new" church anchored solid on the only true cornerstone, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. A set of by-la ws wh ich had sufficed for

three years, held together by a bond of love and common need, was altered, strengthened and fused into a workable document. The by-laws now had strong and meaningful qualifications for church leaders. A means to discipline wayward leaders and they, and those called to its ministry; gave more power to the laity, creating a bicameral legislature to govern the church. The Board of Elders was expanded from four to seven members to provide a more diversified leadership. Rev. Frieda Smith of Sacramento, became the first ordained woman in the Fellowship and at the same time its first woman Elder. She, James Sandmire of San Francisco, John Gill of Atlanta, Richard Vincent of Dallas, (now of New Orleans), joined Perry, Hose and Ploen on the Board. Loynes, who had served the Fellowship well during the formative years, was not returned to his post on the Board. Delegates came to Atlanta with questions, fears and doubts. They left singing God's praises. "The established church really majored in minors," Perry relates. "They didn't tal k about the love of God. They were very negative, talking about the do's and

very negative tal king about all the don'ts and never the do's." , MCC teaches God's Love is given freely to anyone believing in Christ. MCC is real because the love is real - His for us and ours for Him. "We find our unity in our diversity and freedom," Troy says. "As a gay person, I just want to tell you, I'm not afraid anymore; and as a Gay Christian, the Lord is my shepherd and He knows I'm gay," Perry smiles, a light in his eyes. Perry often asks during a service, "If you love the Lord, say 'Amen!' " He is answered by a rousing chorus of 'Amen's'. The chorus started with 12 in 1968. The chorus is not yet finished ...

THE SPIRIT WILL MOVE AMONG US ATTHE

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