MCC of Greater Dallas is building upon a 41-year legacy of the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) denomination world-wide and 40 years in Dallas! It is a legacy of affirming outreach to eliminate barriers to faith for all peoples. We believe that many people are ready to express their faith in God in a place where inclusion and hospitality are the principal ethics. We welcome all of you at the table of Grace with us every Sunday.
Every Member a Minister
We believe in the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9,10). Therefore, every member is a minister. We believe that every believer is given spiritual gifts and called to use those gifts in service. Additional training is provided for specific ministries. Those persons called forth to the vocation of clergy are referred to as Clergy, Pastor or Reverend. Clergy or Lay people may celebrate and serve communion.
Inclusive Language
This congregation along with Metropolitan Community Churches world-wide utilizes inclusive language. This means we strive to use gender inclusive language about people. Just as there has been a cultural shift from saying “workman’s compensation” to the more inclusive “worker’s compensation”, we say humanity rather than mankind.
We believe that God is neither male nor female – God is both and neither. God is Spirit. Humanity, male and female, are made in God’s image. (Genesis 1:26, 27) Therefore, we strive to use either gender neutral language for God or balanced imagery. God is our Father and God is also our Mother having given birth to all of creation. God is our Source, our Creator and Sustainer.
Sometimes people will tell us that they are most comfortable calling God “Father” and that our not using that particular title as much feels exclusive to them. We do not tell anyone what they should call God in their own private prayer or relationship! While the reference to Father has been common for much of history, it is not the only name for God. It can be a stumbling block for those who cannot see or approach God as Father. Scripture is rich with images, names and titles for God. Our use of these varied images and names for God is a gift and ministry to many. Our understanding of who God is, and thus our relationship with God, is strengthened and expanded when we use and explore these different names/titles/images for God.
Our western culture historically connected black with bad or evil and white with good which has reinforced racial prejudice. Inclusive language seeks to be clear when referring to issues of illumination (ex. the dark night or the light of truth) versus issues of good and evil. Connected to our work of healing racism and our message of inclusion, we seek to be aware of the intended meaning and avoid racist sub-texts. Similarly, we seek to be sensitive to multicultural nuances of language as we worship and teach.
Inclusive language might also be called accessible language. Inclusive language seeks to make the Good News more accessible to all people that more people will be drawn closer to God and equipped on their spiritual journey.