"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the...death of one...." Jessica Dovey, Middle School Teacher "Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." Martin Luther King, Jr. Moderator of MCC Responds to the Death of Osama bin Laden On the 2nd Sunday of Easter, just after midnight, Osama bin Laden, leader of a global network of terrorist cells and the person many the world over held singularly responsible for the devastation and loss of September 11, 2001, was captured and killed by U.S. Special Forces in Abbottabad, Pakistan. Reports seem to suggest that bin Laden had been "hiding in plain sight," living in a secure compound in a wealthier area of Northern Pakistan near a military academy. With him were not only his colleagues, but several women and children. Two men and one other woman were also killed. The remaining women and children were handed over to Pakistani authorities. No Special Forces soldiers were lost. There is a legend that says when Israel reached the Red Sea and God parted the waters to lead this mixed band of people into freedom, God wept over the loss of so many Egyptian soldiers who'd chosen, not the path of freedom and new life, but of continued oppression and violence. (To read the full statement, click here.) Grace and Peace, +Nancy The Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator Metropolitan Community Churches |
USA Tornado Disaster Relief Update Dear Friends: Thank you so much for your outpouring of care and concern for the victims of the recent tornadoes. We have been in communication with our MCC congregations impacted by the tornadoes and are thankful that none have lost any members. The damage to people's homes and to churches appears to be minimal, and we have received no requests for assistance. We want to encourage you to continue to be involved with the relief effort through your local ecumenical associations, the Red Cross and other Relief Organizations. Additionally, if your MCC Network or a neighboring Network is involved with some aspect of response, we encourage you to pool your resources and get involved. If there are ways which you believe MCC can be of assistance, or if you need some additional support, please contact our Disaster Relief Coordinator at RevDianeFisher@MCCchurch.net. Thank you again for your openness and deep concern for the tornado victims. MCC, you are amazing! With Humble Gratitude, Rev. Elder Ken Martin, Network Elder Rev. Elder Diane Fisher, Disaster Relief |
International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia (IDAHO) The International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, commonly referred to as IDAHO, is coming up in just under a month, on 17 May 2011. This is a day of global solidarity against all forms of homophobia and transphobia.  Individuals and organizations around the world will join together through events and activism relevant to their communities' needs. As a global denomination, we are encouraging our members to stand in unity. Our first example comes from Russia, where the "Rainbow Flashmob" is organized to happen for the second year in a row. According to the IDAHO website, folks in other cities are expected to plan similar flash mobs. Consider organizing a flashmob in your city! Learn more here. MCC is encouraging congregations to participate with IDAHO anytime that week of 15 May. Be creative and record your action with pictures or video, then upload them to our MCC Facebook page. More updates will follow, so please watch for additional announcements. |
