Metropolitan Community Churches was represented at the landmark WorldPride 2026 celebrations in Amsterdam, marking the 25th anniversary of the city becoming the first in the world to legalize same-sex marriage.

Rev. Elder Ines-Paul Baumann—pastor of MCC Köln and former member of the MCC Council of Elders—participated in the reli-WorldPride events. Rev. Elder Ines-Paul stepped up as a key panelist during the Human Rights Conference held at the iconic Beurs van Berlage.

Reli-WorldPride brought together an ecumenical and interreligious gathering of leaders, activists, and faith communities from around the globe. Speaking on a panel surrounded by a religiously diverse audience of faith leaders and cultural multipliers, Rev. Elder Ines-Paul raised MCC’s prophetic voice on a global stage, sharing our church’s vision of radical inclusion, faith, and liberation.

Reflecting on the event, Rev. Elder Ines-Paul shared:

“I’m so grateful for the opportunities this gave me—representing MCC on a level that was so religiously diverse and full of multipliers, making new contacts, having a stage to raise our voice, getting overwhelmingly positive feedback, and being inspired for my own and MCC’s journey.”

Rev. Elder Ines-Paul’s presence served as a vital opportunity to forge new international partnerships, offer a welcoming sanctuary of faith to the global LGBTQ+ community, and remind the world of the transformative power of inclusive ministry.

Thank you to Rev. Elder Ines-Paul Baumann for representing our denomination so powerfully, and to Rev. Wielie Elhorst and the reli-WorldPride organizing team for facilitating such an inspiring gathering.