MCC head appointed to Obama’s faith council

The White House on Friday announced that President Obama designated the head of the LGBT-inclusive Metropolitan Community Church as among 12 appointees to his faith advisory council.

The president named Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, the MCC’s global leader, to his Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The council is charged with making recommendations to the government on improving relationships with religious institutions.

In a statement, Obama expressed pleasure with being able to announce the 12 new appointees. The White House statement says that he’ll name more appointees at a later date.

“I am pleased to announce that these experienced and committed individuals have agreed to join this administration, and I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead,” he said.

According to the biography provided by the White House, Wilson, a lesbian, is “one of the nation’s leading LGBT pastors” and held several roles in the MCC before becoming its global leader.

“Rev. Wilson has been an active voice on HIV issues, prisoner treatment programs, LGBT issues, and women’s rights,” the statement reads.

Sharon Groves, acting director of the Human Rights Campaign’s religion and faith program, said “there could not be a better choice for the president’s advisory council” than Wilson.

“Rev. Wilson is a lifelong advocate for justice of all marginalized communities, particularly the LGBT persons,” Groves said. “She is smart, compassionate, deeply faithful person who has devoted her life to justice.”