The Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto (MCC Toronto) is a congregation dedicated to serving the community. As well as being a place of worship, it is an important landmark for both its architecture and its role in the LGBTQ+ community. Located in the vibrant Riverdale neighborhood, this welcoming church stands as a beacon of inclusivity, offering a safe haven for individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Background on the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto
It’s a place of action. Part of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, the MCC of Toronto provides an inclusive space for individuals with diverse orientations and gender identities to build networks and community. It has been a point of hope and acceptance for many who have felt marginalized in other religious environments.
What can you do at the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto?
In addition to providing a welcoming space for worship, the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto events offers various activities and services for its members, including social gatherings, potluck dinners, workshops, digital fellowships, and educational opportunities.
What’s more, if you can’t make it to service but would still like to catch it online, you can stay connected with the church digitally with the latest events and news, or sign up beforehand to watch their live streams. The Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto also hosts intimate Candlelight concerts, celebrating some of the most iconic contemporary artists and noteworthy composers.
Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto
1. In 1986 MCC of Toronto fought for a new Employment Standards Act that includes sexual orientation into the Ontario Human Rights Code.
The congregation has always supported equality for sexual minorities, including supporting Bill 7 in 1986, adding sexual orientation to the Ontario Human Rights Code. Another example of their work for social justice is their support for Bill 167, which would change the definition of “spouse” in Ontario.
2. During the AIDS crisis, the church founded the AIDSCARE program.
In 1990, in response to the HIV/AIDS crisis, the community church launched the AIDSCARE program. Initially, a full-time person was hired to coordinate the program, and later on many volunteers provided home hospice care for hundreds of individuals. The program eventually expanded to provide support for a range of illnesses and needs.
3. MCC of Toronto was the site for the world’s first legalized same-gender marriage in 2001.
The year prior, the congregation began work for the legalization of same-sex marriage in Canada. Although the first country to legalize same-sex marriage was the Netherlands in April 2001, on January 14, 2001, the church’s former Rev. Hawkes married a gay and a lesbian couple but the Registrar General of Ontario refused to register the marriage documents. It wasn’t until 2003 that the congregation won in court, back-dating the decision and making the Province of Ontario North America the first jurisdiction to recognize same-sex marriage.
Is there parking at Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto?
MCC Toronto does not provide an onsite parking lot. For visitors attending events, it is recommended to park along Gerrard Street or use the nearby Green P parking lot, which is a 10-minute walk from the church.
Who founded the Metropolitan Community Church?
The Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) was founded in 1968 by Reverend Troy Perry in Los Angeles.
What is the meaning of Metropolitan Church?
The term ‘Metropolitan Church’ typically refers to a place of worship in a large city, serving as a hub for a diverse urban community. In the case of the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC), however, its meaning carries even more weight. The name reflects MCC’s mission to create an inclusive, welcoming space, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community.
The church is only a 10-minute walk from the sizable Riverdale Park East. To catch Rev. Deana Dudley’s sermons, MCCT’s Acting Senior Pastor, and listen to spellbinding concerts by candlelight, hop on the 97B and 97C buses. The community church can also easily be reached by subway (Line 1) or train (BR of the GO Transit system).
Besides service, this season, the congregation is hosting a number of breathtaking tributes to iconic artists, including Taylor Swift, Adele, and Coldplay. The church’s heavenly ambiance, as is the case with other Candlelight venues in Toronto, along with a mesmerizing sea of twinkling candles will make for a transcendental and memorable experience you won’t want to miss.