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The MCC, a predominantly gay Christian denomination, installs new leader

From 365gay.com News:

Gay Denomination Installs New Leader Amid Threat By Christian Conservatives
by Doreen Brandt 365Gay.com Washington Bureau
Posted: October 30, 2005 12:01 am ET

(Washington) In a ceremony marked by tears of joy, a Florida minister was installed Saturday as the new Presiding Bishop of the Metropolitan Community Churches, but the just hours before the service began a Conservative Christian group threatened to take the Church to court.

Washington’s National Cathedral was filled with worshipers as the Reverend Nancy L. Wilson was installed in her new role as leader of the world’s largest predominantly gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Christian denomination. Wilson succeeds veteran human rights activist, the Reverend Dr. Troy D. Perry.

The Washington National Cathedral is a unique institution. It is not a parish nor does it have a congregation. It is also where the nation has come to mourn tragedies, the loss of national leaders and also to celebrate great national moments.

Wilson said Saturday’s ceremony was the start of a new era of growth for the church, which includes 250 congregations in 23 countries.

Church officials said holding the ceremony at the cathedral is especially symbolic of the increasing acceptance of gay and lesbian people of faith. Dr. Perry had been kept out of a ceremony at the National Cathedral 30 years ago.

During the ceremony Wilson unveiled a 10-year international program of social and spiritual transformation for gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and the transgendered.

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