We often speak of our history with pride—and rightly so. We remember the UpStairs Lounge. We remember the courage of Troy Perry. We remember when we were the only sanctuary that wouldn’t turn away a queer believer.

But a new article in Sojourners magazine, titled “The Largest Gay Denomination in the U.S. is Shrinking. Why?“, offers a sobering look at our present reality. It is not just a report on declining numbers; it is a mirror held up to our movement. It challenges us to ask if we have become too comfortable or too confused about our own identity in an era where “open and affirming” is no longer unique to us.

The article details a hard truth: many of our congregations, particularly in the South, have closed their doors. As mainstream denominations have begun to welcome LGBTQ+ people, MCC has faced an existential crisis. But this moment isn’t a signal to give up—it is a wake-up call to rediscover who we are.

Redefining Our Mission

The most striking call to action in the piece comes from Rev. Brendan Y. Boone, a leader in MCC’s People of African Descent ministry. He challenges us to stop resting on the label of “the gay church” and instead embrace a broader, more radical identity.s

“Where are we going? Who are we? What’s our mission? What’s our focus? What sets us apart from everybody else? Until we can answer, we’re going to struggle.”

Boone rejects the idea that we must compete to “out-gay” liberal denominations. Instead, he suggests a pivot toward being a “human rights church”—one that reaches out not just to the LGBTQ+ community, but to all who are marginalized.

The Danger of “Partial” Acceptance

Why does MCC still matter if other churches are welcoming? Rev. Catherine Houchins, a retired MCC pastor from Roanoke, reminds us that “welcoming” in other denominations often comes with fine print.

“It is a blessing and a challenge that other churches are open and accepting… [But] some churches will say, ‘Everyone’s welcome. You’re welcome to come. You’re welcome to give.’ But you may not be welcome to sing in the choir. You may not be welcome to work with children. You may not be welcome to hold offices or be clergy.”

This is the distinction we cannot afford to forget. In MCC, you are not just tolerated; you are essential.

A Call to Intersectionality

The path forward may lie in the example of Rev. Terri Steed Pierce of Joy MCC in Orlando. She notes that survival depends on evolving beyond the insular “gay church” model and showing up for all social justice causes.

“[We] march, not just for gay people, but we march for Black Lives Matter. We did the No Kings march. We did the Women’s March.”

Pierce recalls the moment she first realized MCC was her home—a realization that we must strive to recreate for a new generation:

“I saw myself in the basket… You know, I’m gay, I’m female, I’m called. And if oranges can grow in North Carolina, [then] Terri, a lesbian, called-of-God female, can do all this. I can be all of who I am.”

The Work Ahead

Nancy Wilson, our former global moderator, reminds us of our gritty roots. We are not an institution of wealth; we are a movement of the people.

“MCC is a working-class movement… MCC has never been known for paying pastors well, and we don’t have institutional financial strength. We’re upstart. [We’re] bootstrap.”

That “bootstrap” spirit is what built this denomination, and it is what will save it. We cannot rely on the momentum of the past. We must answer Rev. Boone’s questions. We must decide, right now, who we are going to be.

Read the full article by Sojourners magazine, titled “The Largest Gay Denomination in the U.S. is Shrinking. Why?” – click here.