Our Story: The Good, The Ugly, and The Fabulous
Open Table MCC believes in the principles of transparency and integrity. As a progressive Church community, we are not ashamed of who we are in all of our gifts and in all of our imperfections throughout our history. We recognize that we are a people on a journey and on a mission of faith, hope and love. In that journey, we have had our challenges, struggles, victories, and achievements, big and small alike. We have had new friends who joined us and stayed with us, becoming part of our shared mission. There were also old friends who have left — some have returned and others have chosen different paths. Such is the reality of our spiritual and human journey.
While we affirm that MCC is a Church and part of the larger Christian Church Universal — the living Body of Christ on earth moved and animated by the Holy Spirit — it remains to be a human community and institution. We are still composed of human individuals who struggle to live, grow, and serve in Christian love.
We are not perfect. No individual is; therefore, no Church is. And so, our story includes experiences of imperfection, individuals who came and left; of people who tried their best and sadly, of people who did the worst. Yet we remain resilient and true to our commitment to serve God by serving the people. The Holy Spirit continues to speak to us and through us today. God does not stop gathering God’s queer tribe through Open Table MCC and all MCC’s throughout the world.
This is our story and we continue to #beMCC.
The Beginnings of the Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC)
In 1968, a year before New York’s Stonewall Riots, a series of the most unlikely events in Southern California resulted in the birth of the world’s first church group with a primary, positive ministry to gays, lesbians, bisexual, and transgender persons.
A failed relationship, an attempted suicide, a reconnection with God, an unexpected prophecy, and the birth of a dream led to MCC’s first worship service: a gathering of 12 people in Rev. Troy Perry’s living room in Huntington Park, California on October 6, 1968.
That first worship service in a Los Angeles suburb launched the international movement of Metropolitan Community Churches. Today, the church has grown to 43,000 members and adherents in almost 300 congregations in 22 countries. In the past 44 years, MCC’s prophetic witness has forever changed the face of Christianity and helped fuel the international struggle for LGBT rights and equality. (Read more about UFMCC’s history)
MCC in the Philippines
In 1991, a group of Filipino gay men wrote to the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC) asking one important question: “How can we be MCC?” Fr Richard Mickley, an MCC Pastor in New Zealand, upon learning of the request, did not hesitate and flew to the Philippines on his own initiative. Right away, he helped the group organize themselves as an MCC and began the proclamation of God’s boundless and unconditional love to the Philippines.
Fr Mickley held his first Mass in the Philippines at the National Cathedral of the Holy Child in Ermita, Manila. Approximately 30 to 50 LGBT persons gathered and signed a petition for an MCC Church to be started in the Philippines. Shortly after, the denominational leadership granted formal recognition and affiliation to MCC Philippines.
MCC Philippines (MCCPH) became the first MCC church registered in the country. However, it became more popularly known as MCC Manila as worship services and other Church activities were held in the capital city.
By 1996, Rev. Mickley reached his retirement age, and the denominational leadership of MCC encouraged him not only to retire but to also turn over the pastoral leadership of the church to a Filipino. Two years later, in 1998, Rev. Mickley resigned, and the congregation of MCC Manila, with the affirmation of UFMCC, elected and confirmed fashion designer Edgar Mendoza as the new pastor of MCC Manila.
Rev. Edgar Mendoza hence became the first Filipino Clergy-Pastor of MCC in the Philippines. MCC Philippines then moved to Makati City and renamed itself as Good Samaritan MCC. It became more popularly known as MCC Makati. From then on, the MCC Makati had several lay pastoral leaders following Rev. Mendoza, namely:
- Pastor Ceejay Agbayani – 2001 (6 months tenure)
- Pastor Lino Lee – 2002-2003
- Pastor Bjorn San Diego – 2003-2004
- Pastor Ohj Encelan – 2004-2005
- Pastor Regen Luna – 2005-2008
- Pastor Art Ventayen – 2008-2009
- Pastor Egay Constantino – 2009 – 2016
- Pastor Elmer “Vince” Madolid – 2016 – 2019
(The above list of lay pastoral leaders and their years of tenure are from the institutional memory of Bishop Regen Luna who is now with the Catholic Diocese of One Spirit (CDOS) and leads the Church of God (ECOG) in Dasmarinas, Cavite. The information that was provided was as of February 22, 2019)
Legacy of Father Richard Mickley
After retirement, Rev. Mickley continued his ministry by establishing the “gay men support group” and later the Order of St. Aelred. Rev. Mickley made it clear that his continuing ministry was not a new church in competition with MCC but a different way and space to serve and minister outside and beyond MCC.
Much later, he became a bishop of the Catholic (non-Roman) Diocese of One Spirit. He played key roles in the 1996 and 1998 Pride March mobilizations and the formation of Task Force Pride. He also continuously attended Pride Marches every year until his last on June 25, 2022 when, at the age of 93, he joined both the Quezon City Pride Celebration held in Quezon Memorial Circle and the Metro Manila Pride held in Pasay, which simultaneously happened on the same day.
Over the years, he also became heavily involved in HIV advocacy, actively participating in the various HIV programs of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP).
Rev. Mickly, or Father Richard, as he was fondly known, passed away on February 14, 2023. He was survived by his partner of 28 years, Simon Arias.
Closure of Good Samaritan MCC
After the passing of the well-loved Pastor Egay Constantino in 2016, his partner, Elmer “Vince” Madolid took over the pastoral leadership of the church. He tried to organize and re-group the congregants of Good Samaritan MCC. While they managed to meet for Bible and prayer services in the house of one of their members, attendance dwindled and its members stopped coming despite Pastor Vince’s efforts and encouragement. With almost no gathering, Pastor Vince finally declared what was clear and obvious. On July 22, 2019, through the official Facebook page of the Good Samaritan MCC, they announced its closure. Still, he kept on the faith that if the members felt the calling and urgency to reconvene, Good Samaritan MCC can still return at the same time and place. However, as of writing time, Good Samaritan MCC remains closed.
Pastor Vince, upon the encouragement of Rev. Joseph joined Open Table MCC and regarded him, albeit informally, as one of its elders (long time member of MCC).
First Pride March in the Philippines and in all of Asia – 1994
On June 26, 1994, MCC Manila together with Pro-Gay Philippines, held the first Pride March in the Philippines in Quezon City. It was also the first ever Pride March in all of Asia.
Establishment of Metropolitan Community Church Quezon City (MCCQC) – 2006
Bishop Regen Luna, former MCC Interim Pastor of MCC Manila, recollected that MCCPH (then also known as MCC Makati) encountered problems with one of its members named Ceejay Agbayani. According to Bishop Luna, Agbayani showed habits of conniving controversy and conflict within the congregation. For the welfare and peace of MCC Makati, then Pastor Regen assigned Agbayani to begin a new church in Quezon City and therefore serve as the “envoy” for this mission.
Agbayani, together with his partners Marlon Felipe and John Paul Andaquig, established regular Bible study and support group sessions in Quezon City. The first was held on 13 September 2006, with attendees coming from Quezon City and neighboring cities of Marikina, Caloocan, and Manila.
Three months later, on December 26, 2006, the MCC Philippines – Quezon City Chapter (MCCPH-QC) held its first public worship service at Bro. Noel Magdririla’s residence in East Fairview. In February 2007, two months later, they hosted their first retreat at the same location.
On 26 December 2006, the first public worship service of MCCPH-Quezon City Chapter was held in the residence of Bro. Noel Magdririla in East Fairview. The first MCCPH-Quezon City retreat was also held in Bro. Noel’s residence on February 2007.
On September 15, 2007, MCCPH-QC celebrated its first anniversary at Bro. Magdririla’s residence. Attendees included officers from MCC Makati, the Union Theological Seminary Choir, and faculty members Prof. Debbie Reyes and Prof. Ferdinand Anno. Pastor Luna, Rev. Mickley, and Fr. Vincent Taguinod of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (Aglipayan Church) also co-celebrated the event.
MCC Quezon City’s Affiliation
In April 2008, MCCPH-QC sought affiliation with UFMCC through Rev. Elder Ken Martin, the UFMCC Elder in Region I, which includes the Philippines. Rev. Elder Martin traveled to the country to grant MCCPH-QC full affiliation on September 14, 2008, providing the church with full autonomy and independence. As a result, the church renamed itself Metropolitan Community Church Quezon City (MCCQC). Rev. Elder Martin signed the certificate of affiliation in the presence of MCCPH-QC officers Marlon Felpie, Mark Adlawan, John Paul Andaquig, and Sherman Tam. Agbayani was ordained and installed as the church’s first pastor.
MCC Quezon City’s First Church Home: Mindanao Avenue Chapel
In November 2008, MCCQC members pooled their resources and worked together, and with the grace and faithfulness of God, opened their chapel on Mindanao Avenue. In the same month, they registered as a non-profit religious association with the Securities and Exchange Commission. They also requested a subsidy, and the MCC Asian Pacific Initiative granted a one-year subsidy for the chapel rental.
MCC Quezon City’s Congregational Conflict and Period of Transition (2012)
In July 2012, after two tumultuous congregational meetings at MCCQC, members filed a letter of concern and complaint against Rev. Agbayani with the office of Rev. Elder Martin. Following a period of review and consultation with UFMCC legal experts, Rev. Elder Martin traveled to the Philippines in September 2012 to address the letter. Adhering to the due process mandated by the UFMCC by-laws and standard operating procedures, he sought Rev. Agbayani’s presence to respond to the allegations against him. However, Rev. Agbayani consistently delayed and refused invitations.
After a series of meetings and consultations with over 15 different individuals, Rev. Elder Martin decided to withdraw Rev. Agbayani’s ordination credentials due to a de facto resignation stemming from his willful disregard and non-participation in the investigative process, as well as contempt for the authority of the supervising elder. His clergy license from UFMCC was terminated, and he was subsequently removed from his position as Administrative Pastor of MCCQC.
MCC Makati, together with the parish extensions of MCC Metro Baguio and MCC Marikina, supported and honored Rev. Elder Martin’s decision through a joint statement.
After posting false and malicious statements on social media, including a denial of the decision, Rev. Agbayani formally filed an appeal with the moderator of the UFMCC, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson. Rev. Elder Wilson convened a review panel within the Council of Elders, excluding Rev. Elder Ken Martin, who recused himself from the appeal process.
On October 12, 2012, Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson announced in a letter that the Council of Elders unanimously voted to uphold Rev. Elder Martin’s decision, confirming the de facto resignation and removal of Rev. Agbayani in accordance with the letter of concern and complaint and the prevailing by-laws and policies of UFMCC. (Read more)
From mccchurch.org:
From the Office of the Moderator
Metropolitan Community Churches
For Immediate Release: 12 October 2012Metropolitan Community Church Confirms Removal of Filipino Pastor Officials of Metropolitan Community Churches released a decision on a request for an appeal which confirmed the removal of Ceejay Agbayani from being pastor of MCC Quezon City and de facto resignation of his credentials as an MCC clergy person.
After a series of meetings in the Philippines, Mr. Agbayani decided not to follow the recommendations of the supervising elder, which set in motion his removal from his position as pastor of MCC Quezon City and the de facto relinquishment of his credentials as MCC clergy.
The decision to confirm his relinquishment of his clergy credentials was based on the related guideline in the Metropolitan Community Churches bylaws, which states that when circumstances require it, an Elder “shall have the authority to interface with that church, to take appropriate measures.”
Media contact: Jason O’Neill, Communications Coordinator
Following Rev. Elder Martin’s decision, MCCQC began a period of transition and rebuilding, that is, reestablishing the church by rooting itself once more to Jesus Christ. On September 18, 2012, Rev. Elder Martin appointed a set of interim MCCQC Local Church Administrative Body (LCAB) officers, namely Ondyk Uy, Gavin Lua, Doms Ramos, and Yhel Briguela. He also assigned Joseph San Jose and Kakay Pamaran as worship coordinators.
MCCQC vacated their chapel on Mindanao Avenue. During this time, MCC Makati generously offered their worship center for MCCQC’s regular Sunday afternoon services. This fellowship, love, and generosity strengthened the relationship between MCC Makati and MCCQC.
On December 8, 2012, during the Manila Pride Parade, One MCC Philippines was launched, representing the fellowship of all Metropolitan Community Churches in the Philippines. This event marked a renewed and revitalized communion among MCC congregations in the Philippines, focusing on the church’s core values of inclusion, community, spiritual transformation, and social action in alignment with the ministry of Jesus Christ.
MCC Quezon City becomes a Mobile Church
On November 18, 2012, the MCCQC congregation determined that it was time to return to Quezon City and subsequently launched the MCCQC Mobile Church. The concept of a “mobile church” allowed MCCQC to reach out to communities in the city and share the inclusive love of God. Bro. Red Macalalad, Jr., who was then a volunteer communications and campaigns expert, played a crucial role in launching the MCCQC Mobile Church and in organizing the first worship service in Barangay Kamuning.
Second Church Home: The MCC Quezon City Aurora Chapel “Upper Yellow Room”
2013 marked a significant milestone for MCCQC. During its period of transition and rebuilding, the church established its second location along Aurora Boulevard. With only a small amount of money in the bank and a strong sense of shared faith, MCCQC opened its Aurora Chapel, also known as the Upper Yellow Room, on February 13. Situated on the second floor of the Aurora Building at 836 Aurora Boulevard, Cubao, this space became the church’s new home.
MCC Quezon City installs New Pastoral Leader
Following the recommendation of the newly elected MCCQC LCAB and the approval of the Asian Pacific Initiative (API) by Rev. Stedney Phillips, Pastor Kakay Pamaran became the Interim Pastoral Leader (IPL) of MCCQC in March 2013, although her official installation would not take place until June 16. Her appointment made her the first lesbian pastoral leader of the Metropolitan Community Churches in the Philippines. As the new pastoral leader, Pastor Pamaran guided the MCCQC LCAB and the congregation, serving as the chair of the Church Ministerial Team.
From its new location on Aurora Boulevard, MCCQC fostered a community and a culture of integrity and excellence in all its endeavors. One individual, Bro. Macalalad, played a crucial role in this effort as he led various projects, campaigns, and initiatives during his tenure as the community relations and social action officer (CRSAT), as well as the appointed ministry leader for Christian education, a position he held until January 2016.
MCCQC Parish Extensions
On February 22, 2009, MCCQC established its first parish extension, MCC Metro Baguio, with its inaugural public worship led by Interim Pastor Myke Sotero. While serving as pastor, Sotero attended the Ecumenical Theological Seminary for his theological education and formation. MCC Metro Baguio played a vital role in supporting MCCQC during its transition until achieving stability in 2013, honoring its relationship as a parish extension with its mother and partner church.
MCC Metro Baguio received its full affiliation with UFMCC in September 2015, six years after its establishment, following a visit from Rev. Elder Darlene Garner, the new supervising Elder of MCC Philippines. Pastor Sotero, having completed his Master of Divinity and met his ordination requirements, was ordained by Rev. Elder Garner, becoming a fully licensed and credentialed clergy member of MCC. (update: Rev Myke Sotero passed away 10th of August, 2023)
Meanwhile, MCC Marikina became the second parish extension of MCCQC, established in June 2010. With encouragement and authorization from then-Rev. Agbayani (before his removal in 2012), Bro. Jason Masaganda initiated the creation of the parish extension and served as its lay pastoral leader. Though an early request for independence was made, Rev. Elders Martin and Phillips emphasized that MCC Marikina should remain a parish extension under the API.
In 2013, after MCCQC had stabilized, Pastor Pamaran consulted with MCC Metro Baguio and MCC Marikina about renewing their parish extension relationship. MCC Metro Baguio agreed, while MCC Marikina reiterated its pending request for autonomy through the Office of Emerging Ministries (OEM). MCC Marikina received a one-year authorization as an Emerging Church Community (ECC) during the September 2015 affiliation and ordination ceremony of MCC Metro Baguio, presided over by Rev. Elder Garner. As an ECC, MCC Marikina is subject to annual assessments, with its status renewed based on satisfactory evaluations by the OEM.
MCC Marikina currently conducts Bible studies and support group sessions at Bro. Masaganda’s residence in Marikina. It remains an ECC under the supervision of the OEM, now part of the Office of Church and Ministry Development.
Clergy Formation
Rev. Myke Sotero of MCC Metro Baguio completed his Master of Divinity at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary (ETS) in Baguio in March 2015. He was ordained and licensed as a clergy member of MCC by Rev. Elder Garner in September 2015. In 2016, Rev. Sotero was appointed as the network leader for the MCC Philippines Network.
In June 2012, Pastor Kakay Pamaran of MCCQC received the Ken Martin and Tom Cole Scholarship under MCC API, which funded three semesters of her Master of Divinity education and formation. She completed her program in April 2016 at Union Theological Seminary (UTS) in Dasmarinas, Cavite.
Rev. Joseph San Jose, also from MCCQC, began his seminary education at UTS using his own savings to pursue a Master of Divinity. He graduated on April 6, 2018, as the summa cum laude of his class and received three special awards in Church and Society, Biblical Studies, and Liturgy. His seminary journey was largely supported by individual donors and sponsors, along with two one-time scholarship grants—one from UTS and another from Crave MCC in Australia.
Rev. Joseph San Jose was ordained by the founder of MCC, Rev. Elder Troy Perry, on November 24, 2019, during the Solemnity of Christ, the Sovereign. The ordination took place at Founders MCC, the founding and mother church of MCC in Los Angeles, California. The Bayanihan Filipino Community organized the event, with the worship service facilitated and served by its volunteers.
A Period of Decline and Another Transition
By mid-2015, MCCQC observed a significant decline in attendance and membership, a trend that persisted until the end of the year. When a new set of LCAB officers were elected in February 2016, the decline had become undeniable. Leaders identified the lack of proper organizational programming and unstable leadership as key contributors to the dwindling attendance. Although MCCQC had been sustainable during 2013-2014, with church leadership implementing excellent campaigns, engagement efforts, and projects, these initiatives unintentionally resulted in organizational and individual burnout. Additionally, leaders acknowledged that the church’s progressive direction lacked the necessary membership education and formation, which required a curriculum that had yet to be developed. This second transitional phase was inevitable and had to run its course.
In July 2016, Pastor Pamaran appointed Pastor San Jose as the Pastoral Intern of MCCQC. She continued her oversight duties until May 2017, when she resigned from her role as Interim Pastoral Leader of MCCQC and recommended Pastor San Jose for full administrative and pastoral leadership, a recommendation that was affirmed by Rev. Elder Garner.
In August 2016, As a pastoral intern, Pastor San Jose conducted a church workshop to establish MCCQC’s core principles. Church member Marco Puzon synthesized the discussions and outlined the following mission for the church:
- To maintain a safe space for all
- To Proclaim God’s radically inclusive love for all
- To participate in God’s greater work of justice and peace in the world
MCCQC continued to operate in survival mode, but the demoralization and decline were irreversible. By February 2017, the congregation officially declared a state of transition, suspending its by-laws due to the dysfunction of the church’s organizational structure and the low morale. The church then entered a deliberate period of prayerful discernment and reflection.
Pastor San Jose invited Pastor Pauline Ong from Free Community Church in Singapore to lead MCCQC’s annual retreat that year, focusing on the theme of “Loving with Our Whole Heart.” The retreat helped lift the mood and morale of the church’s remaining members. In May 2017, Rev. Miak Siew, also from Free Community Church and an MCC clergy member, visited the Philippines and encouraged MCCQC leaders and core members to continue their ministry.
Death of the MCCQC Identity
On August 26 and 27, 2017, the congregation made the decision to close the MCCQC identity. The reasons cited included the practicality of not being confined to Quezon City and the historical baggage, particularly the lingering association with the church’s former pastor before 2012, which weighed heavily on both members and leaders. The congregation unanimously agreed to relinquish the MCCQC identity and move out of the Yellow Upper Room Chapel in Cubao.
During the 11th anniversary celebration, the congregation symbolically closed and ritually “buried” MCCQC. They honored and cherished the memories of both celebrations and struggles, the lessons learned and mistakes made, and the many tears, laughter, and stories shared within the walls of the church community.
Open Table Metropolitan Community Church
Despite the struggles and challenges of organizing a church community, a dedicated group of individuals remained undeterred by their experiences. Their determination, commitment, and passion to minister as a progressive church of Jesus Christ only grew stronger. Guided by the Holy Spirit through prayer, fellowship, and their missional document and statement of faith, they discerned a new identity for their church. From over 40 proposed names, the group chose “Open Table Metropolitan Community Church (Open Table MCC)” as their new church identity.
Open Table MCC officially launched on October 1, 2017, in its temporary worship space at the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP). While the church honored its original founding year of 2006 and celebrated its rich MCCQC heritage, it intentionally sought to start anew and chart its own path. Open Table MCC aimed to create its own history, ministry, and community life, while actively participating in the work of justice in the world, distinct from the MCCQC identity.
2018 Proud Faith at the National Cathedral of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI)
It was a historic event for both Open Table MCC and the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) when the IFI opened the doors of its National Cathedral of the Holy Child on Taft Avenue, Manila, for Open Table MCC’s event, Proud Faith. Launched in 2018, Proud Faith aimed to become an annual gathering and Pride Worship event for Open Table MCC every June during Pride Month. It served as Open Table’s way to assert the importance and relevance of progressive and affirming religious expressions within and outside the LGBTQI+ community. Pastor Joseph delivered a lecture on “Homosexuality is Not a Sin,” referencing Dr. Renato Lings’ book, “Love Lost In Translation.”
Rev. Dr. Ferdinand Anno, a Professor of Liturgical Theology and Church History, preached during the worship service. Bishop Regen Luna of ECOG-CDOS, a former MCC pastor, concelebrated the Eucharist. This event marked a historic moment, as MCC, an affirming church, welcomed LGBTQI+ individuals from various organizations to worship inside the IFI’s cathedral. This acceptance was also significant for the IFI as it embodied their 2017 Statement on LGBTQI+ inclusion titled “Our Common Humanity, Our Shared Dignity.”
Open Table MCC remained hopeful that it could forge stronger partnerships and friendships not only with the IFI but also with other churches in the Ecumenical Network. The goal was to advance the LGBTQI+ movement within society and the church, along with addressing various justice issues facing the country at that time.
Third Home – Mandaluyong Chapel “White Room”
Open Table MCC moved to the White Room in October 2018, although the chapel officially opened and was consecrated in February 2019.
Through the “bayanihan” spirit of its leaders and members, the “White Room” became the most beautiful chapel to date. Yet Rev. San Jose reminded the Open Table MCC congregation that the church was not the place but the people, emphasizing that the ministry of creating a safe space, love, and service was more important than the chapel. The chapel’s beauty served as a supplement and tool for the church, the people of God, to serve others in more effective and concrete ways. Rev. San Jose hoped that the chapel would always reflect the beauty of the people’s shared love for God and their generosity toward others.
The 2020-2021 Pandemic and Beyond: Rest and Grace, Death and Renewal!
The whole world came to a halt when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. Like everyone else, Open Table MCC had to stop. It provided a welcome reprieve for Rev. San Jose, who recalled feeling burned out from both church work and its struggles. Still, the leadership managed to carry on with its service as Open Table MCC moved online. However, unlike many other churches that simply shifted their worship services to online streaming platforms, Open Table MCC decided to offer an online support group every Sunday. Rev. San Jose felt that during times of uncertainty and stress, conversations and maintaining connections were more important than watching and listening to worship. This decision led to the birth of Community Connect.
Community Connect opened a virtual and digital safe space for new people. Some young LGBTQIA+ individuals and students, trapped in their homophobic homes, found refuge through it, allowing them to express their struggles and challenges after being confined in homes that refused to accept them for who they were. Community Connect became a wonderful and successful project that continued to operate until now.
Although Open Table MCC found ways to reach out to people, its finances became a concern during the lockdown due to the lack of holy unions and Sunday offerings. For the first few months of the lockdown, the previous collection from Resurrection MCC helped sustain the church’s operations. By September 2020, Resurrection MCC decided to hold a special collection again, which helped Open Table MCC maintain its operations throughout 2020. Off-shore members and beloved friends, Donald Mueller and Oriel Briguella-Mueller, also contributed to keep the church alive.
Although maintaining an active social media presence proved to be a struggle, by mid-2020, when lockdowns loosened a bit, Rev. San Jose began recording sermons both at home and in the chapel.
Death
Just a couple of weeks before the blessing and consecration of the new De Oro Chapel of Open Table, Choi Discipulo, the church’s advocacy officer for HIV passed away much to the shock and sadness of the HIV advocacy network. She was a dedicated and passionate member of Open Table MCC serving not only in HV advocacy but also serving in other various ways in the church.
In December 2020, Open Table MCC lost a member, Sherwin Ang. Though relatively new, he had been active, helping with the church’s feeding and outreach program in Rodriguez, Rizal after a typhoon. His partner requested that his passing remain private until much later, but the board and a few close friends were informed. His death broke the hearts of many church members, but it would not be the last challenge the church would face.
Roughly two months later, on February 9, 2021, Open Table MCC lost a beloved and long-time member, Mike Mia, fondly known as “Kuya Mike,” due to a heart infection—a poetic passing, as he died with a broken heart. Open Table MCC assisted with donations for his hospitalization and later for his funeral. Unfortunately, Kuya Mike’s biological father, following the advice of his homophobic pastor, refused to allow Open Table MCC to hold prayer services during his wake in Caloocan City. However, with the help of Kuya Mike’s brother, his urn was brought to the Open Table MCC chapel, where the church held its own post-internment prayer service.
Open Table MCC remains committed to preserving their memories and stories while pursuing the mission of the church that they dearly loved and passionately served.
Coming Out of the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic transformed the landscape of Christian ministry, with churches struggling to adapt to online platforms, and Open Table MCC was no exception. Despite limited resources and volunteers, the church’s commitment and efforts allowed it to enhance its preaching, ensuring that services continued. In 2021, following the government’s minimum health standards, the church resumed in-person worship at the White Room in Mandaluyong City, which was also streamed live, while Community Connect continued twice a month.
Although streaming initially did not go as smoothly as planned, it improved over time with the acquisition of better equipment. As vaccinations rolled out, members began returning, as only vaccinated individuals were permitted to attend services.
It wasn’t until 2022 that the community grew once more and attracted more people.
Renewal, Sabbath, and Curriculum
In 2020, the church leadership designated August as a sabbatical month, during which no services or activities would take place. Although it was shortened to just two-weeks in 2021, a decision the leadership also reversed, this month-long break provided a much-needed rest from the ministry and advocacy efforts of the first seven months. August also typically saw low attendance due to the peak of the rainy season in the Philippines.
In February and March 2022, Rev. San Jose organized two workshops to gather input from members and leaders to develop a spiritual formation curriculum for new church members. Even before the pandemic, in 2018 and 2019, Rev. San Jose and the leadership had been reflecting on the need for such a curriculum. They recognized that the church’s challenges — stagnant growth and recurring conflicts — stemmed from the absence of a structured spiritual formation program for new members. A well-designed spiritual formation curriculum not only nurtures a person’s faith and spirituality, but also establishes boundaries, expectations, and values for both individuals and the community. This, in turn, helps create a spiritually healthy and vibrant church.
And so, in December 2022, eight new members began their journey with the new curriculum and finished it in 2023. The church hoped and prayed that this marks the beginning of a new and better chapter for Open Table MCC.
Passing of Fr. Richard Mickley, Founding Pastor of MCC in the Philippines and Co-Organizer of the first Pride March (1994)
Rev. Fr. Richard Mickley, the founding pastor of MCC in the Philippines and co-organizer of the first ever Pride March in Asia in 1994, passed away of old age on Valentine’s Day of 2023. He lived and served to proclaim God’s inclusive love, and fittingly, God granted him the grace to pass away on the day of love, with the love of his life by his side, Simon Arias.
Despite its limited resources, Open Table MCC extended all the help it could to support Father Richard, as he was fondly remembered, during the final years of his life. With permission from him and his partner, the church took responsibility for managing all affairs after his passing. Father Richard also entrusted Open Table MCC with his personal library, files, and records, and authorized the church to preserve any relics for religious, historical, and cultural purposes.
A week before his passing, Rev. San Jose and Jack Quimpo visited Father Richard at his residence in Cavite City. Seeing his condition, Rev. San Jose administered the anointing of the final rites. On the evening of February 14, Simon informed Rev. San Jose that Father Richard had passed away and joined the Creator. Rev. San Jose immediately returned to Cavite to offer support, encouragement, and comfort, as well as initial financial assistance for the processing of Father Richard’s remains.
Open Table MCC, along with Simon and his niece, organized and managed the funeral and burial arrangements. To this day, Open Table MCC remains deeply grateful to all the activists, advocates, friends, organizations, and colleagues of Father Richard who offered financial support, as well as to Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, who wholeheartedly extended her help during this difficult time.
All donations were utilized for the logistics, funeral, and burial of Fr. Richard. This also included the cost of clearing Fr. Richard’s apartment in Kapitolyo, Pasig: initial cleaning and sorting out of his belongings, logistics and transfer of the library and other belongings to a temporary storage, the cost of the temporary storage, and final sorting out of the library and other files and the final transfer to the chapel of Open Table. A small amount remained after all the expenses and was then turned over to his surviving husband, Simon.
Fr. Richard is buried in the local cemetery in Cavite City, near the family of Simon.
Open Table MCC remains deeply grateful for Father Richard’s life, ministry, and advocacy, and we are dedicated to honoring his memory, legacy, and contributions to the LGBTQI+ movement in the Philippines. As long as Open Table MCC exists, we will faithfully honor the story and legacy of the parent of MCC in the Philippines and one of the pioneers of the first Pride March in the country and across Asia.
Free to Be Me Project & the Fourth Home – Annapolis Wilshire Plaza
In August 2022, Open Table MCC was invited to join the Free To Be Me Network, a global campaign that supports the civil rights advocacy of LGBTQIA+ individuals in various countries. It included 28 LGBTQIA+ organizations across the Philippines known as Communities of Action (CoA). The campaign is primarily funded by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and facilitated mainly by HIVOS, which has regional chapters. In Southeast Asia, Yayasan Hivos, now known as the Humanis Foundation, serves as the fund facilitator.
In September 2022, during the project planning for the CoA Network, the Gaining Public Support (GPS) cluster convened and emphasized the importance of engaging with the religious sector, a step that had never been attempted before. Open Table MCC was invited to serve as the Fund Manager for the project, while Side B Philippines was designated as the project implementer.
When the deadline for the project proposal passed in November without any formal explanation from the other organization, Tacing Marasigan, the CoA Host Facilitator, approached Open Table MCC to ask if it could take on both the roles of fund manager and implementer. Open Table was also requested to write a project proposal. The proposal was submitted in March 2023 and received approval from Yayasan Hivos by May, allowing the project to officially begin in June 2023.
Following a thorough consultation event facilitated by former MCCQC pastor and current professor Kakay Pamaran, the Free To Be Me project produced a module titled “Faith Seeking Equality and Common Good: Bridging Sexuality and Gender, Christianity, and SOGIESC Rights.” This event included invited experts such as Revelation Velunta from Union Theological Seminary and Robbin Dagle from Ateneo de Manila University, along with other experts who cannot be named for security reasons.
The module was validated, revised, and rolled out in January 2024 in Quezon City, bringing together over 40 individuals representing LGBTQIA+ organizations from across the country, as well as religious leaders and professors from various churches and faith-based institutions. For the first time in the history of the LGBTQIA+ movement, LGBTQIA+ leaders engaged with Christian faith leaders in a dialogue of friendship aimed at seeking common ground.
The module was subsequently rolled out at the Aglipay Diocese of Cagayan de Oro, with participants joining from various parts of Mindanao—including Cagayan de Oro, Manticao, Libertad, and even as far away as Dinagat Island and Surigao. Shortly thereafter, the project encountered significant funding delays from the Humanis Foundation and the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Netherlands, which impacted the implementation of the remaining phases of the project. As a result of these time constraints, an earlier-developed communications plan had to be scrapped. A second rollout in Manila took place, and the project officially concluded in July 2024.
The Free To Be Me Project not only placed Open Table MCC on the map as a credible LGBTQIA+ organization but also improved the church’s financial systems as required by the project. This initiative played a crucial role in facilitating Open Table MCC’s move to a larger and better worship and community space in the Annapolis Wilshire Building in Greenhills, San Juan City. As the church relocated, it thrived and experienced significant growth in the number of guests and attendees.
The Next Generation and the Future
As 2024 began, Open Table MCC, a progressive and queer-affirming church, experienced significant growth that, while promising, remains fragile and requires careful attention. Establishing solid systems and structures for efficient ministry work is essential to sustain and strengthen the church’s growth. This current expansion appears to be fueled not only by the new church space but also by the newly implemented curriculum for membership and ministry formation. Additionally, integrating ethical guidelines and boundaries into the church’s worship life has helped define how everyone can participate and contribute to creating a safe space for all.
As of this writing, Open Table MCC has two batches of new leaders and volunteers: Batch 1, Hearth, and Batch 2, Resilience. Both groups have demonstrated remarkable passion, resilience, and love for God and people. Batch 3 is about to hold their membership retreat by December of 2024.
Open Table MCC continues to nurture and strengthen a new generation of progressive Christians through its spiritual formation and leadership program, grounded in community, worship, and service. The goal is to have 50 active ministers (members) across 4 to 5 active batches by 2027, which will mark the church’s 21st anniversary and a year of Jubilee. By that time, the church also aims to identify new pastoral leaders and support other church missions throughout Metro Manila and the Philippines.
Open Table MCC is, and will always be, a safe haven for spiritual, communal, and physical spaces of prayer and fellowship. We are committed to being a vital bridge where faith, SOGIESC, and justice work converge to proclaim God’s inclusive love. This church will forever be a church for ALL PEOPLE, regardless of social class, race, nationality, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or Christian background. As a united community of faith, Open Table steadfastly upholds our collective commitment to “be MCC.”
We are Christians, and we are MCC.
Historical narrative updated on 28th of September, 2024