I am grateful for the ways in which diversity and inclusion of LGBT people in our faith communities continues to grow and increase. We’ve come a long way (baby!) – but still have a long way to go.
When the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) was birthed in 1968, it was with the hope that it wouldn’t be needed in the generations to come as more and more churches would become open and affirming.
Well, from Stonewall to gay Prides; through the AIDS crisis; to social justice; to same-sex holy unions and weddings; to full inclusion of our LGBT community, the MCC has been there and celebrates every faith community who is on the journey toward greater inclusion and acceptance of our LGBT sisters and brothers. We truly have a powerful message to give the world – that God (however you define God) loves us all unconditionally!
We want to congratulate our friends at First Lutheran Church downtown on their upcoming 125th anniversary.
When I asked to what he attributes their longevity, Pastor Wilbert “Wilk” Miller was quick to reply, “The church has always been forward thinking and doesn’t ever say ‘we have never done it that way.’”
Indeed, First Lutheran is a Reconciling in Christ congregation, welcoming all people regardless of race, ethnic background or sexual orientation.
Rev. Wilk points out that many of their older members are among the most open and forward thinking. This is refreshing given polls that say it is people over 65 who are most opposed to LGBT rights and same-sex marriage. They obviously share our passion for equality and service.
First Lutheran’s mission statement of being “called to be the heart of Christ in the heart of the city” drives their outreach and ministry.
They have been actively feeding the hungry since 1975. It actually began with offering fresh baked bread and coffee to passers-by on their way to work. They discovered that many were too busy to stop but soon realized they had another audience that did have time: the homeless, the working poor and seniors.
That was the humble beginnings of Friday Bread Day, a program that offered a free warm meal to all who came by. That outreach has grown and morphed into a separate 501c3 non-profit called TACO (Third Avenue Charitable Organization).
Now on both Mondays and Fridays, with the help of some 20 volunteers, TACO prepares a meal for the needy. Included are medical, dental, acupuncture and legal clinics, partnering with other organizations. These clinics are available to all in need. There is even a hospice program for addressing the needs of the homeless who are nearing a life transition. Other ministry outreach includes the ongoing bread distribution on Fridays; AA, NA, and al-anon groups; and participation in Lutheran World Relief and disaster response.
As a church and part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) denomination, there is much for First Lutheran to celebrate.
In 2009 ECLA became the largest denomination to ordain gays and lesbians in committed monogamous relationships. It also voted to allow congregations that choose to do so, to find ways to recognize, support and hold accountable such relationships.
Pastor Wilk conducted wedding ceremonies for gay and lesbian couples during the 2008 “window” in California.
First Lutheran has marched now for 4 years in the San Diego LGBT Pride parade. The president of their church council is Mary Ann Horton, a transgender woman. But perhaps their greatest pride comes from the feeling, expressed by Pastor Wilk, that they “are entrusted with this little corner of God’s creation at 3rd and Ash. Our greatest desire is that all our doors are open and all our tables are open.”
The congregation has helped Wilk, after 7-years as Pastor, continue to grow because it “has always been open and been very supporting,” he told me. “It compels me to grow and be more open.” He shared that the ELCA’s evolution on LGBT rights, like many denominations’, has been a gradual process. He explained that in some congregations, people were wounded and left with the changes. Yet, First Lutheran has celebrated the decisions that were made in advancing acceptance and openness.
Pastor Wilk invites everyone to join in their year-long celebration. The theme for their anniversary is “Honoring Our Past – Embracing Our Future” and throughout the year, the four living former pastors will all be visiting.
Sunday, Feb. 17, at 9 and 11:15 a.m., they will welcome the national presiding bishop of the ELCA, Rev. Mark Hanson.
We at the Metropolitan Community Church congratulate First Lutheran on its first 125 years, affirm their tradition of welcoming ministry and forward thinking, and wish them another 125 years of being “the heart of Christ in the heart of the city.”
Let’s continue to celebrate diversity and inclusion! You are loved!
Rev. Dan Koeshall is the senior pastor at The Metropolitan Community Church (The Met), 2633 Denver Street, San Diego, California, themetchurch.org. Services every Sunday at 9 and 11 a.m.
