Roland Stringfellow
At the Altar of Equality: Michigan Religious Leaders Vow to Protect Same-Sex Marriage
When Kent and Diego Love-Ramirez exchanged vows at the MSU Alumni Chapel in 2007, their ceremony wasn't legally recognized by the state of Michigan, but it [...]Read more about At the Altar of Equality: Michigan Religious Leaders Vow to Protect Same-Sex Marriage
Home at Last: Inside the Raymond E. Shepherd House, Ferndale's LGBTQ+ Senior Haven
For almost a decade, the Metropolitan Community Church - Detroit (MCC-Detroit) and various community partners have dreamed of creating an affordable housing [...]Read more about Home at Last: Inside the Raymond E. Shepherd House, Ferndale's LGBTQ+ Senior Haven
Leading Michigan LGBTQ+ and Ally Officials React to Kamala Harris' Presidential Run
On Sunday, President Joe Biden released a letter to the American people detailing his decision to step aside and no longer seek reelection. Moments later, he [...]Read more about Leading Michigan LGBTQ+ and Ally Officials React to Kamala Harris' Presidential Run
Your Guide to This Year's Hotter Than July — the World's Second-Oldest Black LGBTQ+ Pride
Hotter Than July, LGBT Detroit’s annual Black Pride event, is right around the corner. Get ready for a whole weekend of events that celebrate Detroit’s LGBTQ+ [...]Read more about Your Guide to This Year's Hotter Than July — the World's Second-Oldest Black LGBTQ+ Pride
Michigan's Trans Migration Project Is Helping to Protect Trans People Just By Getting Them Somewhere Safe
A faith-based collective of partners across Michigan is shepherding out-of-state trans people to Michigan for the gender-affirming care and affirmation they [...]Read more about Michigan's Trans Migration Project Is Helping to Protect Trans People Just By Getting Them Somewhere Safe
Construction Begins on Long-Awaited Affordable LGBTQ-Friendly Housing for Older Adults in Michigan
Affordable housing has been a problem across the country for years and it can be especially problematic for aging LGBTQ+ people who, according to Rev. Dr. [...]Read more about Construction Begins on Long-Awaited Affordable LGBTQ-Friendly Housing for Older Adults in Michigan
Former State Rep Candidate Feuding with Gay State Senator Jeremy Moss
The Michigan House of Representatives dodged a bullet when Wendy Webster-Jackson got trounced — she won a mere 20 percent of the vote — in her November bid to [...]Read more about Former State Rep Candidate Feuding with Gay State Senator Jeremy Moss
Charles Alexander, Beloved Michigan Writer and Artist, Leaves Behind Enormous Impact on Local LGBTQ+ Community
Longtime Pride Source and Between The Lines columnist Charles Robert Alexander, also a beloved artist and community activist, died Dec. 10 following a brief [...]Read more about Charles Alexander, Beloved Michigan Writer and Artist, Leaves Behind Enormous Impact on Local LGBTQ+ Community
Fiery Speeches From Religious, Political and Community Leaders Dominate Rally to Protect Democracy
Though morning rains may have scared some away, the sun was shining directly on the Michigan Capitol Wednesday afternoon for the Protecting Democracy: Rally for [...]Read more about Fiery Speeches From Religious, Political and Community Leaders Dominate Rally to Protect Democracy
Still Blazing Trails for Queer People, Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit Turns 50
In April of 2000, I traveled to our nation’s capital as a cub reporter for this publication to cover the Millennium March on Washington. I had been on the job [...]Read more about Still Blazing Trails for Queer People, Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit Turns 50
Church, Outside the Box: MCC-D Will Celebrate 49 Years at First Affirmations Service
September brings with it a new season and a new day for Metropolitan Community Church – Detroit (MCC-D). The congregation, which has been sharing space with [...]Read more about Church, Outside the Box: MCC-D Will Celebrate 49 Years at First Affirmations Service
Coming Soon to Michigan: LGBTQ-Friendly Affordable Senior Housing in Ferndale
Rev. Dr. Roland Stringfellow, senior minister and teacher of Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit (MCC-D), announced at last Sunday's service that the [...]Read more about Coming Soon to Michigan: LGBTQ-Friendly Affordable Senior Housing in Ferndale
SAGE's LGBTQ+ Older Adult Summit Is a Virtual Success
SAGE Metro Detroit held a virtual version of their annual LGBTQ+ Older Adult Summit June 26. Last year's summit was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The [...]Read more about SAGE's LGBTQ+ Older Adult Summit Is a Virtual Success
Affirmations LGBTQ+ Center to Call Ringwald Theatre and MCC Detroit Home, Among Other Updates
Its doors haven't been opened back up to the public yet, but big things are happening at Affirmations. In a virtual town hall meeting Tuesday, Affirmations [...]Read more about Affirmations LGBTQ+ Center to Call Ringwald Theatre and MCC Detroit Home, Among Other Updates
Gay Michigan Pastor Organizes Over 200 Faith Leaders to Call for Passage of the Equality Act
Two hundred faith leaders can't be wrong. In addition to being the campaign's tagline, that's the number of religious representatives that Michigan's [...]Read more about Gay Michigan Pastor Organizes Over 200 Faith Leaders to Call for Passage of the Equality Act
Obituary: Phillip Marshall Griffin
June 9, 1948 – Oct. 1, 2020 Phillip Marshall Griffin, known to friends as Phil, was a longtime member of Metropolitan Community Church – Detroit. He was [...]Read more about Obituary: Phillip Marshall Griffin
MCC-D Ordains 3 Local Pastors
Hattie Alexander-Key, Karen Dillaman and Roland Smith, all longtime deacons at Metropolitan Community Church – Detroit, were ordained as local pastors by MCC-D [...]Read more about MCC-D Ordains 3 Local Pastors
MCC-D to Host Webinar on Radical Inclusion
Metropolitan Community Church – Detroit will host a webinar on Saturday, Sept. 19. The topic is Radical Inclusion in the Age of COVID-19 and the guest speaker [...]Read more about MCC-D to Host Webinar on Radical Inclusion
Lesbian Grand Rapids Judge Won't Return to Church After Being Denied Communion
Denied Communion, Part 2 When Between The Lines last spoke with Chief Judge Sara Smolenski in December, the 62-year-old resident of Grand Rapids had recently [...]Read more about Lesbian Grand Rapids Judge Won't Return to Church After Being Denied Communion
Obituary: Mark J. Rabchun
June 8, 1955 – June 23, 2020 Mark J. Rabchun, a beloved member of and dedicated volunteer at Metropolitan Community Church – Detroit, died June 23 of cancer. [...]Read more about Obituary: Mark J. Rabchun
MCC Detroit and COVID-19: 'God Isn't Going Anywhere and Neither is MCC Detroit'
Innovation by Necessity To those visiting MCC Detroit's website for the first time, it might not be readily apparent that things like virtual worship and Zoom [...]Read more about MCC Detroit and COVID-19: 'God Isn't Going Anywhere and Neither is MCC Detroit'
Michigan Religious Leaders Weigh in on Religious Exemptions
Rev. Ric Beattie Pastor and Spiritual Leader Unity of Royal Oak How are religious exemptions being used to harm the greater LGBTQ community? Religious [...]Read more about Michigan Religious Leaders Weigh in on Religious Exemptions
3 Perspectives on Marriage (In)Equality Today
Securing a cake, arranging a florist, booking a venue and tailoring day-of wedding outfits are all vital, if stressful, steps in the process to a wedding [...]Read more about 3 Perspectives on Marriage (In)Equality Today
The Rev. Deb Cox to Retire From Ministry, Teaching
Before Deb Cox found the Metropolitan Community Church movement she, admittedly, wasn't very religious. "I was a Christmas and Easter Christian," she said. "I [...]Read more about The Rev. Deb Cox to Retire From Ministry, Teaching
SAGE talks about multigenerational community building at 9th annual Older Adult Summit
In a new location inside the Education Building on Wayne State University's main campus, the 9th annual SAGE Metro Detroit Older Adult Summit drew a crowd of [...]Read more about SAGE talks about multigenerational community building at 9th annual Older Adult Summit
The Spirituality of Stonewall
Have you ever been motivated to put yourself at risk in order to stand up for someone else or for a cause? For some, to place themselves on the line is too [...]Read more about The Spirituality of Stonewall
Shows, Sponsors and Spirituality: Ferndale Pride 2019 has Something for Everyone
Metro Detroit’s official Pride season kicks off this week with Ferndale Pride presented by the Candle Wick Shoppe, which takes place Saturday, June 1, in [...]Read more about Shows, Sponsors and Spirituality: Ferndale Pride 2019 has Something for Everyone
LGBTQ-Affirming Clergy Across the State Show Support for Community in Joint Statement
Clergy across Michigan released a joint statement this week in honor of Holy Week, seeking unity and support for protective policies for all — including LGBTQ [...]Read more about LGBTQ-Affirming Clergy Across the State Show Support for Community in Joint Statement
5 Years later, the Fight for Equality is Far From Over
On the morning of Saturday, March 22, 2014, I received a call from my lead Deacon demanding, "I need you to get to the Oakland County Courthouse. Now!" "What's [...]Read more about 5 Years later, the Fight for Equality is Far From Over
U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib Visits REC to Hear From LGBTQ Faith Leaders, Youth
U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib visited the Ruth Ellis Center Feb. 21 for the second time, to hear from faith leaders and LGBTQ youth about the importance of LGBTQ [...]Read more about U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib Visits REC to Hear From LGBTQ Faith Leaders, Youth
Roland Stringfellow Senior Pastor at MCC Detroit
Rev. Dr. Roland Stringfellow, among other titles, serves as the senior pastor and teacher at the LGBTQ-affirming Metropolitan Community Church of Detroit. [...]Read more about Roland Stringfellow Senior Pastor at MCC Detroit
Michigan Faith Leaders Petition Congress to Protect LGBTQ Constituents
At a press conference Friday, Oct. 19 that capped off the daylong Faith, LGBTQ Inclusion and Human Rights conference at Metropolitan Community Church – Detroit [...]Read more about Michigan Faith Leaders Petition Congress to Protect LGBTQ Constituents
MCC-Detroit's Stringfellow Reflects on Legacy of Queer Spirituality
1968 was indeed a year that had a profound impact upon this country – the assassinations of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy, protests of the [...]Read more about MCC-Detroit's Stringfellow Reflects on Legacy of Queer Spirituality
Michigan Faith Leaders Launch New Initiative for LGBTQ Equality
Faith Leaders will Mobilize Michigan Religious Community Ahead of Election Day Faith leaders from across Michigan will come together on Friday, Oct. 19 [...]Read more about Michigan Faith Leaders Launch New Initiative for LGBTQ Equality
Inclusive Justice Brings LGBTQ Conference to MCC-D
Inclusive Justice will present a day-long conference called Faith, LGBT Inclusion & Human Rights on Friday, Oct. 19. Inclusive Justice is a statewide, [...]Read more about Inclusive Justice Brings LGBTQ Conference to MCC-D
MCC-D 201: Ministry Releases First Publication on 46th Anniversary, Seeks to Become 'Program-Size' Church
At its 46th anniversary service on Sunday, Sept. 16, Metropolitan Community Church – Detroit debuted its new publication called "Ignite." The 24-page glossy [...]Read more about MCC-D 201: Ministry Releases First Publication on 46th Anniversary, Seeks to Become 'Program-Size' Church
Motor City Pride: Rainbows Abound, Defying Drizzle
Though a rainy, early-June chill swept through the city of Detroit on Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10, rainbow-clad attendees made it out to Motor City [...]Read more about Motor City Pride: Rainbows Abound, Defying Drizzle
GenderSpark
When Nick Daughtry first visited Metropolitan Community Church – Detroit four months ago, it was absolutely the right fit. "It was one of things where going in [...]Read more about GenderSpark
MCC Honors Transgender Youth Activist with 'Seth Tooley Day'
It was early last month when more than 300 people came out to protest a workshop for girls at Metro Church in Riverview. Many said that the church-offered [...]Read more about MCC Honors Transgender Youth Activist with 'Seth Tooley Day'
OBITUARY: Raymond Edward Shepherd
Aug. 3, 1948 – Feb. 27, 2018 Raymond Edward Shepherd, a longtime member of Metropolitan Community Church – Detroit and an active member of Affirmations, died [...]Read more about OBITUARY: Raymond Edward Shepherd
Southeast Michigan Religion and Health Officials Outraged by New HHS Rule
Patrick Yankee, chief development officer for Corktown Health Center The LGBTQ Community is no stranger to stigma. It infiltrates lives daily, and, sometimes, [...]Read more about Southeast Michigan Religion and Health Officials Outraged by New HHS Rule
Worship Guide: Holiday Services
Sunday, Dec. 10 A Modern Day Christmas Story, immediately following Sunday Service, 11:30 a.m. 240 Chalfonte, Grosse Pointe [...]Read more about Worship Guide: Holiday Services
Two MCC Churches Move into New Homes
Group photo taken at the close of MCC Detroit's final service in Ferndale after more than two decades of renting their worship space from The Drayton Avenue [...]Read more about Two MCC Churches Move into New Homes
Spotlight On Legacy Award Recipients at MCC Detroit Anniversary Event
John Kavanaugh (left) and Jim Toy (right) – recipients of the MCC Detroit Legacy Awards – pictured with Rev. Dr. Roland Stringfellow (middle). BTL Photo: Jason [...]Read more about Spotlight On Legacy Award Recipients at MCC Detroit Anniversary Event
What Charlottesville Has Taught Us
Rev. Dr. Roland Stringfellow The demonstration that filled the air with chants of "Blood and Soil" and "Jews will not replace us" on the campus of the [...]Read more about What Charlottesville Has Taught Us
Photo Gallery: Rally for Transgender Troops in Royal Oak
BY BTL STAFF 123456789101112131415Hundreds attended the Freedom to Serve rally in Royal Oak on July 30 in support of transgender troops. Several [...]Read more about Photo Gallery: Rally for Transgender Troops in Royal Oak
Two Years Later and Where Are We?
BY REV. ROLAND STRINGFELLOW June 26, 2015 – a day history was made. Crowds gather around their television sets waiting for the announcement from the High [...]Read more about Two Years Later and Where Are We?
