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UFMCC CELEBRATES LIFE!
Many elements characteristic of UFMCC worship celebrations can be traced to the first service in 1968: communion open to all, combining of diverse Christian traditions, joyous tears of the congregation, and the message proclaimed. In his first MCC sermon, titled "Be True to You", the Reverend Perry preached a three-point gospel empowering people to bring Christian salvation, Christian community and Christian social action to the world; this vision statement continues to guide UFMCC.
UFMCC has two sacraments, baptism and communion, as well as six rites: membership, holy union or matrimony, funeral or memorial service, laying on of hands, blessing and ordination. Today worship styles vary widely among UFMCC churches based on the background of the pastor and the composition of the local community. The theology of UFMCC pastors covers the entire spectrum from liberal to conservative, but all agree with modern biblical and theological scholars who find that Scripture does not condemn loving, responsible homosexual relationships.
The few Bible passages that are cited as proof that homosexuality is a sin have been misinterpreted or mistranslated. For example, scholarship shows that the sin of Sodom is violent inhospitality, not the particular way that the guests were abused. Some verses now used as a blanket condemnation of all same-sex love were originally aimed specifically at male prostitution in rival religious cults. Over-emphasis on a few obscure Scriptures can cause people to miss the broad theme of the Bible: God's enduring love for all people, expressed as passion for justice and solidarity with the outcasts, sexual or otherwise.
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