Across the Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) global family, we celebrate moments where our faith and our commitment to justice powerfully converge. Recently, MCC Brazil hosted a transformative gathering that did just that: the 2026 MCC Brazil People of African Descent (PAD) National Conference, centered on the vital theme “ALIVE! Black Bodies, Justice, and Faith.”

Coordinated by the dedicated team of Phee Mabel, Rev. Gustavo Silva, and Pastor Léo Rossetti, the conference served as a profound blessing for our churches and communities across the region. It created a sacred space where theology, scholarship, social justice, and radical inclusion met to uplift, empower, and ignite real change.

Click here to view more photos from the 2026 MCC Brazil PAD Conference, via Google Photos

A Convergence of Faith, Scholarship, and Activism

The conference brought together a rich mosaic of voices—clergy, scholars, artists, community leaders, and grass-roots activists—all united in centering the dignity, spiritual power, and resilience of Black bodies within faith spaces and society at large.

We were deeply honored to welcome prominent leaders and scholars whose presence enriched our collective dialogue:

• Councilwoman Benny Briolly, the groundbreaking first transgender member of the Rio de Janeiro State Legislature, who brought inspiring insight on political advocacy and community resistance.
• Pastor Marco Davi, representing Nossa Igreja Brasileira.
• Dr. Jaqueline Gomes de Jesus (Federal Institute of Rio de Janeiro – IFRJ) and Dr. Juliana Farias (State University of Rio de Janeiro – UERJ), who grounded our conversations in critical academic and sociological perspectives.
• Pastors Fabíola Oliveira and Júlio Oliveira of the Baptist Community Church in São Gonçalo.

The event was also supported and attended by dedicated MCC leaders from across Brazil, including Rev. Igor Simões (MCC Fortaleza), Rev. Christiano Valério (MCC São Paulo), Rev. Willams da Silva (MCC Cabedelo), as well as Pastor Letícia Souza, Pastor Rick Souza, and Deacon Mariah Moreno (MCC Sol da Justiça).

Celebrating New Ministry: Ordination of Rev. Handré Garcia

The atmosphere of joy and renewal culminated in a powerful moment of celebration for our denomination: the Clergy Ordination Service of Rev. Handré Garcia.

Surrounded by a supportive cloud of witnesses, Rev. Garcia was officially ordained into MCC clergy and now steps into his calling as the Associate Pastor of MCC Rio. We hold Rev. Garcia and the entire ministry team at MCC Rio in our prayers as they continue to embody Christ’s radical love in their city.

Moving Forward as an “ALIVE” Church

The “ALIVE!” conference was more than an event—it was a movement of the Spirit, reaffirming that our churches must remain vibrant sanctuaries for liberation, radical inclusion, and racial justice.

As a global denomination, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, hosts, speakers, and every participant who helped make the 2026 MCC Brazil PAD National Conference an unforgettable success. May the fire, vision, and wisdom shared during these days continue to bear rich fruit across Brazil and throughout our entire MCC movement worldwide!