Surveillance Cameras for MCC Church

The Metropolitan Community Church of Our Redeemer is an all-inclusive church in Augusta, Georgia. We are a member church of Metropolitan Community Churches Worldwide, often referred to simply as “MCC.” The MCC denomination began in 1968 with a primary outreach to those disenfranchised, namely those excluded from their churches based on their same-gender sexual orientation. MCC churches have been a voice for equality since 1968 and was the first to perform same-gender unions, although not legal at the time.

Because of the ruling in favor of Marriage Equality from the Supreme Court of the United States on June 26, 2015, MCC of Our Redeemer in Augusta has been featured in a number of media stories relating to the SCOTUS decision. With this increased exposure, our church has experienced two hate crimes. The first was on July 2, 2015 when the rainbow flag they had attached to our sign in the church front yard was ripped from the sign and then the flag ripped from the pole, leaving the damaged pole with the flag grommets attached.

The second hate crime was more severe and happened just over two weeks after the first incident with hate-filled graffiti spray painted on the front of the church building. The corner stone on the church displays the year 1887. We are an historic building in downtown Augusta.

After the flag incident, the board of directors of the church discussed adding to our security system by upgrading the system and adding surveillance cameras. It was decided, since, as with many churches, funds are tight, that the additional cost wouldn’t be manageable and we trusted the flag incident was an isolated occurrence. However, after the graffiti incident, we are keenly aware that our security system must be upgraded.

Our church has always been active in the community with outreach not only to the LGBT community, but our members volunteer each week with the Downtown Cooperative Church Ministry which provides groceries to homeless individuals and we also support this organization with monetary support and food drives. We sponsor annual outreach efforts to a nursing home, back to school efforts for low income children and a pet rescue organization.

It is our goal to not only upgrade our security system and add surveillance cameras, but to also have materials printed and available regarding homosexuality and the Bible, equality in housing, the workplace, the classroom. It is also our goal to provide community educational opportunities on the topics mentioned here and others as the needs are identified.

The cost of security upgrades as well as the cost of printing for educational materials, etc. is approximately $5,000 and is far beyond our budget constraints. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.

Whether or not financially supporting us is feasible, we covet your prayers, meditations, positive thoughts for our ministry and safety.