When there are institutions such as the Metropolitan Community Church
(MCC), founded by and dedicated to the spiritual nurturing of gays and
lesbians, why would you go anywhere else? For the same reason anybody would
pick one church over another – the desire for a place where the fellow-ship,
interpretation of Scripture, and liturgy just feel right.
“The same interest brings us all here,” says Carol Villandry, a member of
Church of the Savior, an American Baptist church in Cedar Park. “We all hunger
for a place to worship and serve.”
Judy Alexander, who has just performed a heart-felt rendition of “The Oil
and the Wine” as the offertory hymn at the service that morning, nods in
agreement. “We want to be a part of, not apart from,” she says.
Both women are fully “out” lesbians, raised in a strong Protestant
tradition; Southern Baptist for Villandry, Assembly of God for Alexander. Being
gay, they say, didn’t remove their strong faith in God – even when the churches
of their childhoods drove them away, even when they didn’t associate with
Christians – of any stripe – for many years.
“I wandered in the wilderness for 18 years before I found MCC Dallas,” says
Alexander. After relocating in Austin, she and her partner came to Church of
the Savior after the pastor, Joe Phelps, published an editorial in the daily
newspaper (see main story). “`Whosoever may come,'” she says, trailing off.
“I’m a `whosoever.’ And glad!”
Villandry, along with a group of other lesbians, wanted more emphasis on
Bible study than they felt MCC could offer them, and she formed her own group
for a while. She, too, came to Phelps’ church after the pastor pleaded for
prayer and understanding toward homosexuals. She has been elected to the church
council, and recently had the honor of delivering a sermon.
Although both women have long-time partners who are also active in the
church, their church lives do not center around having their gayness affirmed –
but the other members do seem to readily accept them and the dozen or so other
lesbians who attend every week.
“We don’t need recognition that we’re homosexual. We just want to serve,
because we love the Lord,” says Villandry.
“Church isn’t there to make you feel good,” says Alexander, firmly. “It’s
to praise Him.” – R.A.
This article appears in October 6 • 1995 and October 6 • 1995 (Cover).