St-Matthew-in-the-City celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Auckland Community Church next weekend, as part of its own 100 year celebrations. The Auckland Community Church (ACC) began as a Bible study group for gays and lesbians, and was the first formal gathering of gay Christians in New Zealand. The group has since grown and meets for worship at St Mathew's every Sunday evening. The theme of the 10am service on Sunday 3rd July will be Celebrating Gayness. "It is a time to give thanks for the immense contribution of gay and lesbian clergy and laity to the Christian community," says Vicar Glynn Cardy, "and to reaffirm the commitment of this Anglican congregation to a world without prejudice." "We have invited many Auckland City community leaders, as well as the members of the Auckland Community Church, to join us." The now independent Auckland Community Church will also hold its own celebrations that same day at 7.30pm. Again, clergy from all denominations as well as Auckland City community leaders have been invited.