Come As You Are

At Austin's LGBT church, all are welcome.

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A version of this story ran in the July 2012 issue.

The Metropolitan Community Church of Austin has trumpeted the message of radical inclusion since it opened its doors more than 30 years ago. The church began in 1968 as a place of worship for the LGBTQ community. The first service included just 12 people gathered in a tiny Los Angeles living room. Four decades later, more than 43,000 people in 22 countries and from different faiths claim MCC as their place of worship.Though each congregation is unique, the core message remains the same—everyone is welcome.