On the evening of Tuesday 13^th June, the Newcastle Progressive Christian Network held its monthly meeting at Brunswick Methodist Church in the middle of Newcastle. This time, we were joined by Rev. Kai Millar, minister at the Northern Lights Metropolitan Christian Church (MCC), who met on Sunday evenings at St. James’s URC church in Newcastle City Centre. Rev. Millar gave an introduction to the history of the MCC church.

Well-known for being a welcoming church for LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people), although all are welcome to join them, they originated in Huntington Park, California, led by former Pentecostal pastor Troy Perry on October 6, 1968. Despite facing many challenges due to prejudice and homophobia, they have grown to have a presence in 37 countries with 222 affiliated churches. Their theology is based upon the historic  creeds of the Protestant Christian Church, such as Apostles’ and Nicene creeds, and they celebrate ‘open communion’ each week, meaning that it is open to all without needing to be a member of a church.

Following Rev. Millar’s introduction to the MCC church and its beliefs and history, they did an excellent job of leading and guiding a thoughtful and sensitive discussion of some of the issues surrounding LGBT people and organised Christian worship. Alongside this, Rev. Millar talked about their journey exploring their own identity (Rev. Millar is non-binary), and issues of our times such as the struggle for trans rights and debates over drag performers and feminism. Thanks to them, and the NPCN organisers, for such a fascinating evening.