25/10/2026
You know you are reading a book that was published in 1974 when the authors use words like the homophile movement and refer to people as transvestites and transs*xuals.
I’m currently reading this. I’m not even sure how or why I bought it. I guess the historian in me just couldn’t help himself.
It’s a breakdown of the early days of MCC which was the world’s first church group with a primary, positive ministry to g**s, le***ans, bis*xual, and transgender persons It covers the challenges and controversies of those early days, finding unity during a period of exponential growth and among such a diverse range of people who were coming through the doors.
Morality, theology, worship styles, relationships, promiscuity, po*******hy, gender, clergy and a variety of s*xual experiences are some of the areas covered. It’s quite fascinating. One minister classed drag queens as having a fe**sh, and if they "had" to frock up to go to church, he suggested they tone it down and dress modestly. Maxi Sheild wouldn't haven't got through the door.
The authors are not there re completely affirming but I think many of their observations and insights are pretty fair considering much of work is drawn from articles of MCC leaders of the day who were obviously quite at home sharing opposing opinions on these topics and conversations with members..
They do say in the introduction that they made many attempts to engage with Troy Perry but to no avail.
It's a fascinating read looking back at the birth of the denomination and an inside look at the struggles that had to be worked through as well as their groundbreaking wins.
