Church of England issues advice for 'the unconditional affirmation of trans people'
The Church of England has issued transgender advice for its clergy. The advice covers how trans-people should be welcomed into the Anglican faith and includes:
using baptism as a way to recognise and celebrate a trans person's 'identity in Christ’ and God's love for them
if the trans person is already baptised then it commends the 'rite of Affirmation of Baptismal Faith' as the key part of a service to recognise a person’s gender transition
Most importantly the advice states 'The Church of England welcomes and encourages the unconditional affirmation of trans people, equally with all people, within the body of Christ, and rejoices in the diversity of that body into which all Christians have been baptized by one Spirit.'
For churches and individuals working towards being a more inclusive church the Open Church Network has developed some resources that may help:
an example renaming ceremony
TRANSforming churches: A practical guide to trans inclusion
'The Gender Agenda' – eBook
Steve Chalke’s video ‘Why the church should offer radical trans inclusion’
The Church of England’s transgender advice for its clergy can be found here.
For a more in-depth article on The Guardian website click here