The UFMCC mission statement now reads:

"The Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches is a Christian Church founded in and reaching beyond the Gay and Lesbian communities. We embody and proclaim Christian salvation and liberation, Christian inclusivity and community, and Christian social action and justice. We serve among those seeking and celebrating the integration of their spirituality and sexuality."

"With the adoption of this new mission statement, UFMCC became the first Christian denomination in history to proclaim the "integration of spirituality and sexuality" as part of its intrinsic mission," said the Reverend Troy D. Perry, moderator of the denomination.

The new vision statement enacted in Australia reads:

"The vision of the UFMCC is to embody the presence of the Divine in the world, as revealed through Jesus Christ; to challenge the conscience of the universal Christian Church; and to celebrate the inherent worth and dignity of each person. As we move toward this vision, by 2003, the UFMCC will be comprised of at least 70,000 members and adherents who are all called and equipped to minister with excellence. This diverse global body will be widely recognized as a prophetic light and driving force for an inclusive Christian spirituality which celebrates the integration of spirituality and human sexuality. Through our strengthened local churches, we will meet the justice and faith needs of people in increasing numbers of countries and cultures."

"Four points in this vision statement are especially noteworthy," said Perry. "This new document calls us to impact the universal Christian Church with our message of hope and affirmation for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered persons. It calls us to fulfill our vision to double membership in a decade. It calls UFMCC to establish spiritual outposts in additional countries and cultures. And it reemphasizes our commitment to the positive integration of sexuality and spirituality."

UFMCC was founded in 1968 by the Rev. Troy D. Perry, who serves as moderator of the fast-growing denomination. A frequent international speaker at churches, universities, and conferences, Perry has appeared on C-SPAN, 60 Minutes, Phil Donahue, Tomorrow with Tom Snyder, and The Mike Douglas Show. UFMCC's story has appeared in virtually every international news magazine. Perry is the recipient of awards from the American Civil Liberties Union, the Human Rights Campaign, and the Gay Press Association.

UFMCC is composed of more than 300 local congregations in 15 countries. With a combined budget in excess of $15 million, the UFMCC churches comprise the largest predominantly gay organization in the world.