REV. JANET PIERCE, Richland

I read the Jan. 1 article, "Do gays still need a church of their own?" Now that I've surfaced from the holiday rush, I feel the need to tell the world that, yes, there is still a need for a denomination that at its core is open to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families.

Increasingly, straight people are coming to our churches because they want their children to be raised in a church that affirms all God's diverse humanity. All of the denominations that have dropped their prohibitions against gay people have caveats -- "but not marriage" -- "but only if the congregation is OK with this" -- "but not transgender" -- "but only if your bishop is OK with you." The Metropolitan Community Church's only caveat is, "Are you ready to be with people who love God?" You may struggle with loving God, but we have an open communion table where you will learn about the love of God. Join us at River of Life MCC. We are the church that says you are welcome -- and we really mean it!