BEGINNINGS

The beginning of MCC Brisbane

Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) Brisbane began more than 50 years ago and we welcome you to be part of the ongoing story God is writing through our church. 

Known as Christ Community Church in 1974, the church became part of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC) in 1975, following a visit from Rev. Elder Troy Perry, the founder of the global MCC movement. From then on, we were known as MCC Brisbane. 

The beginning of Metropolitan Community Churches 

MCC Brisbane is part of a wider movement of Christians who are passionate about inclusion. MCC began in Los Angeles in 1968, in Troy Perry’s living room. Troy started MCC on a simple principle: God’s love and a relationship with Jesus should be open to all and especially those from the LGBTIQ+ community who have so often faced exclusion and rejection. You can read more about Rev Troy’s story and the beginnings of MCC here. 

MCC BRISBANE HISTORY

Below we have outlined some highlights from different eras at MCC Brisbane. Key themes that are consistently woven into our story are: 

  • welcome and inclusion 

  • care and advocacy 

  • hospitality and shared life 

  • collaboration with other churches and LGBTIQ+ affirming groups 

  • faith, hope, and love. 

1976 to 2003 

In 1976, Rev Ivor Holmans and his partner Adrian Buganey began attending the church. Ivor served as Worship Coordinator and Pastoral Leader from June 1982 until February 1995, when he was licenced as clergy. He continued to serve as Pastor of MCC Brisbane until May 2003. 

During the AIDS crisis in the 1980s, Rev Ivor coordinated a team of 100–150 volunteers – many from MCC Brisbane – who provided support to dying patients in Brisbane’s southern suburbs. MCC members were both caregivers and among those affected, as reflected in our AIDS memorial quilt. Rev Ivor also served as chaplain to HIV-positive prisoners at Wacol, supported by the newly formed AIDS Council. MCC Brisbane further contributed by cooking meals once a month for the Council’s weekly Friday night dinners. 

2003 to 2008 

At times the congregation was quite segregated between gay men who attended the church service, and lesbians who met in a home bible study group. Although occasional social events brought them together, the two groups largely kept to themselves. One church member shared her memory of a turning point: at a picnic, one of the gay men approached and said, “Can I be an honorary lesbian today?” That simple moment began to bridge the gap between the groups. 

Rev Tim Collier served as pastor from May 2003 until his retirement in May 2004. In November 2004, Rev Anne James was appointed as Pastor, with her life-partner Rev Iris Saggers as Assistant Pastor. Together they hosted an “Orphan Christmas” each year, providing a place to gather and celebrate for those without a supportive family.   

2008 to 2015 

Rev Dr Leigh Neighbour led the church for about 7 years, along with his husband Dennis Moran. During Rev Leigh’s leadership, the church grew numerically and spiritually.  

Leigh was proud to advocate for marriage equality and met with MPs at Parliament House to push for reform. He said “MCC Brisbane’s unwavering commitment to human rights and social justice has inspired countless individuals. By embracing diversity, fostering understanding, and leading by example, we have created a space where all are welcome, regardless of their faith, background, or sexual orientation.” 

Rev Leigh retired in June 2015.  

2015 to 2021 

The church moved from meeting in Cordelia Street, West End, to the Merthyr Road Uniting Church in New Farm. In August 2015, Pastor David Coltheart, along with his husband, John Plank, accepted the role of interim pastor of MCC Brisbane. They travelled weekly from the Sunshine Coast, guiding the church in worship, community life, and pastoral care. During their leadership, Sunday attendance tripled, and they retired from regular employment at the beginning of 2016 to focus on the ministry of MCC Brisbane.  

David organised participation in the annual Pride March and Fair Day held at New Farm Park. David’s ministry coincided with the effort to enact marriage equality in Australia, and he took an active role in lobbying politicians and community members. On behalf of all MCC churches in Australia, David wrote the official submission to the Senate enquiry into legislative amendments for marriage equality and appeared before a parliamentary committee.  

During this time MCC began holding church camps as well as collaborating with Merthyr Road Uniting Church on an annual combined carols service. A wave of new people brought talents in music, preaching, and leadership, allowing the church to flourish. 

On retirement, David facilitated a pastoral search committee which recommended Rev Alex Pittaway. Alex was ordained as Pastor of MCC Brisbane in July 2018 and led the church for 3 years. During this time the MCC community explored new directions including retreats, altered worship times, new small groups, and reimagined worship. MCC began streaming worship services on Facebook Live through the difficult years of COVID. This practice continued beyond COVID and became an opportunity for those who could not attend in person to connect with MCC Brisbane.  

2021 to present 

In September 2021, Rev Dr Denise Powell began serving as MCC’s pastor.  The church has continued to grow and reach out through a range of initiatives including: 

  • Pride events – Brisbane Pride Fair and March, and a stall at a local state school’s lunchtime Pride Fair  

  • Church camps with ocean baptisms along with social and spiritual activities 

  • More connection and engagement online as well as in person, with the congregation engaging through our Slack social media platform, and online small groups reaching greater Brisbane, the Gold Coast and beyond 

  • A re-wilding approach that empowers attendees to initiate groups, social outings and LGBTIQ+ advocacy activities. 

  • Rainbow parents – a peer support group for Christian parents of LGBTIQ+ children 

 

MCC Brisbane has also welcomed a growing number of allies while staying committed to a core calling to serve the LGBTIQ+ community. For more about our current activities, visit our Connect page. 

 

Last updated September 2025