Office of the Moderator Metropolitan Community Churches For Immediate Release: 4 August 2010    

Metropolitan Community Churches lifts its voice in celebration with voices from around the world today as the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ruled Proposition 8 unconstitutional.  "Although we know the case will likely be appealed, today we celebrate a step forward in the return to marriage equality for all citizens of California, and a step closer to marriage equality all over the United States of America," said MCC Moderator The Reverend Elder Nancy Wilson.  "Our federal courts have finally acknowledged what we have known all along:  fundamental rights exist only when they are enjoyed by all people, without qualification." 

The White House said it would require hospitals to allow same-sex partners the same visitation rights as immediate family members.

“There are few moments in our lives that call for greater compassion and companionship than when a loved one is admitted to the hospital,” President Barack Obama said in a written statement. “Yet every day, all across America, patients are denied the kindnesses and caring of a loved one at their sides—whether in a sudden medical emergency or a prolonged hospital stay.”

The order calls on HHS to draft a rule to ensure that hospitals that accept federal Medicare or Medicaid dollars do not deny visitation privileges on the “basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability.” Additionally, the administration wants to make sure that patients' advance directives “are respected, and that patients' representatives otherwise have the right to make informed decisions regarding patients' care.”

“Hospitals' first responsibility is to our patients and their care,” the American Hospital Association said in a written statement. “We recognize how important family support is to a patient's well-being and we work hard to involve patients to fill out advance directives and make their wishes known.” — Matthew DoBias (ModernHealthcare.com) 

MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA -- The Rev. Elder Nancy L. Wilson, moderator of the international movement of Metropolitan Community Churches, participated in the first-ever public HIV/AIDS march in Montego Bay, Jamaica, on Wednesday, April 7, 2010, along with a delegation of MCC leaders.

New York, NY - Following the devastating January 12th earthquake in Haiti, Metropolitan Community Churches around the globe mobilized to offer not only prayerful but financial support.  With the help of its congregation in nearby Santo Domingo, the denomination, dedicated to serving the LGBT community and all vulnerable populations, was able to fund direct assistance in the form of food, water, basic medicinal supplies, tents and sleeping bags to survivors.

Today, The Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, announced a further gift in the amount of $10,000 to Housing Works, a New York City based organization committed to ending the twin crises of AIDS and homelessness.