TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Representatives from the Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) joined affirming faith leaders, theologians, and believers from across Asia and the world for the International Queer Alliance Christian Conference (IQACC), held from May 1–3, 2026, at the Taipei Innovation City Convention Center.
Hosted by Taiwan’s historic Tong Kwang Light House Presbyterian Church to coincide with their monumental 30th anniversary and pastoral ordination, the conference served as a vital hub for regional fellowship, collective worship, and strategic learning. The event aimed to strengthen international networks among LGBTQ+-affirming faith communities across the Asia-Pacific region, including Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines.
MCC was strongly represented by a diverse delegation of international staff, regional clergy, and local congregation members, underscoring the denomination’s ongoing global commitment to inclusive and missional ministry.
Among the key leaders present from the MCC senior leadership team was Rev. Elder Hector Gutierrez, alongside staff representative Christopher Celeste. The delegation also featured a prominent contingent from Open Table MCC Philippines, which included Rev. Joseph San Jose and Bb. Kakay Pamaran. In addition, several esteemed MCC-ordained clergy actively participated in the gathering, including Rev. Miak Siew and Rev. Dr. Boon Lin Ngeo.
Throughout the three-day event, attendees engaged in bilingual workshops spanning topics such as queer theology, mental and emotional self-care, healthy relationships, and inclusive pastoral care. The weekend culminated in powerful cross-cultural worship services, collaborative workshops, and a combined international choir celebration honoring three decades of Tong Kwang Church’s trailblazing ministry in Taiwan.
For the MCC representatives, the IQACC 2026 conference provided a profound space to listen, share unique regional insights, and return to their respective ministries with renewed spiritual vitality and deepened ecumenical bonds.
