by Jessica Carreras
Ann Cox is a a board member of the Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit. Part of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches, the church specializes in outreach to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community, and has a huge following from that area, too. Cox, a 64-year-old Waterford resident, is no different. She's not only a board member, volunteer and avid member of MCC-Detroit – she also met her partner at the Jesus Metropolitan Community Church of Indianapolis, who is now one of the pastors of the Detroit church. Through her work there and at Between The Lines newspaper as a sales representative, Cox hopes to give back to the LGBT community that she loves.
1) How did you get involved with the Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit?
I have been involved with Metropolitan Community Churches for a long time. My partner is one of the Pastors at Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit. I am a board member at MCCD and have just been named Michigan Core Team Leader by Metropolitan Community Churches. Core Teams have been formed by MCC Board of Elders as a way to reach out to the smaller churches who don't have anyone to discuss the problems that might arise. I am the team leader and team members are Rev. Lin Stoner, Paul Mattson and Roland Smith and we are responsible for coordinating meetings between MCC churches, visiting them and putting together educational workshops.
2) Why, as a lesbian, did you choose that church?
I actually chose MCC because I was tired of meeting the girls that I could find at the bars and was hoping that I could find the love of my life there. And guess what? I did.
3) What, to you, is the most important part of being involved with MCC?
I feel the most important thing about being involved with MCC is going to a church that doesn't condemn you for being who you are and providing a safe space to get closer to God.
4) What upcoming events does MCC-Detroit have planned?
Jason and deMarco will be in concert at MCCD June 26 at 7 p.m. They are an internationally known Christian music duo who just released the album "Till the End of Time." They were also featured on MTV's LOGO where they won Music Video of the Year in 2006, and they grew up in an MCC church. Admission to the concert is free. We'll also be holding our Mass Commitment Ceremony on Saturday, June 6 at 11 a.m. as part of the Motor City Pride celebration.
5) How do you hope to contribute to the community?
I am contributing to the community by working at Between The Lines newspaper and my work at the Metropolitan Community Church and MCC of Detroit. I try to make my deeds match my words.
Learn more about the Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit by visiting http://www.mccdetroit.org.
