RIO DE JANEIRO — On Wednesday, July 29, leaders from Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) Rio gathered at Riocentro for the Global Village at the AIDS 2026 Conference. Representing both their local congregation and MCC’s Central-South Network, the team joined global advocates and religious voices to share MCC’s enduring legacy of HIV/AIDS ministry and advocacy.
Throughout the conference week, MCC Rio leaders were on site supporting Rev. Paul Mokghet and Dr. Léo Rossetti, who participated in conference programming and dialogues.
View more photos via Google Photos, by clicking this link.
A central moment of inspiration occurred at the World Council of Churches (WCC) space, where Dr. Léo Rossetti presented on MCC’s decades-long commitment, history, and active ministry in the fight against HIV/AIDS. For decades, MCC has stood on the frontlines—providing pastoral care, advocating for equal access to healthcare, and affirming the dignity and divinity of all people living with HIV/AIDS.
“It was a wonderful experience at the World Council of Churches’ space, where Léo presented our denomination’s work and commitment over the years,” shared Luiz Gustavo, one of the participants who represented MCC Rio at the conference.
The gathering in the Global Village concluded in true MCC spirit—with shared prayer, warm embraces, and deep fellowship among attendees, ecumenical partners, and advocates from across the globe.
MCC’s presence at AIDS 2026 served as a vibrant testimony to our denomination’s foundational calling: to embody Christ’s inclusive love and remain a beacon of hope, health, and justice worldwide.