Church of England to debate holding ‘baptism-style’ services to celebrate transgender Christians

May 30, 2017 by Andrew Symes

by Leah Klett, The Gospel Herald.

The Church of England has stirred up controversy after announcing it plans to vote on creating an official “baptism-style” service to celebrate when transgender “Christians” change their biological sex. At the General Synod meeting in July, church leaders will not only consider holding special services to mark a transgender person’s transition, they will also vote on whether to denounce gay conversion therapy and re-examine its teaching on marriage as between one man and one woman.

Liberals in support of the motion said vicars have been “forced to devise unofficial services to welcome sex-change worshippers and the Church should demonstrate its unambiguous acceptance of transsexuals,” according to the MailOnline…

…However, conservatives have expressed dismay over the motion. “It is unclear why we are even debating this issue,” said Conservative Synod member Andrea Williams, director of pressure group Christian Concern. “We are sensitive to people who feel uncomfortable with their sex, but Christian teaching is that God made us man and woman. The Church should help people to see the beauty of their God-given sex instead of confusing them.”

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