by Julian Mann, Anglican Ink
What does the Scottish Episcopal Church’s vote to ‘welcome trans people unconditionally’ mean in practice?
According to the Church Times, the General Synod of this small Anglican denomination in Scotland passed a motion to that effect on June 7th:
‘The motion under debate, which was eventually passed, said that the Synod “affirms that transgender, non binary, gender non-conforming and intersex people: are made in the image of God; are loved by God; should be accorded the same dignity, respect and rights as cisgender people; and can and should participate fully in the life, worship, mission and ministry of the Scottish Episcopal Church”.
The Revd Amy Jo Philip (Edinburgh), who is transgender, moved the motion. “Are we welcome in the SEC?” she asked. “I know I am, but do my trans siblings?”
Transgender people were marginalised in society, she said, and “the body of Christ has always been most what it is called to be when it cares for those on the margins.” The public debate had become polarised, and the Church had an opportunity to be “prophetic” and to show a better way, she said.’