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Church of England Considers Baptizing People into New Gender

  • Veronica Neffinger

    Veronica Neffinger wrote her first poem at age seven and went on to study English in college, focusing on 18th century literature. When she is not listening to baseball games, enjoying the…

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  • Updated Jun 02, 2017

The Church of England will consider a proposal to implement a new baptism service to celebrate transgender individuals who have transitioned genders.

CBN News reports that the Church will discuss this issue at their General Synod meeting in July. Some argue that the new services would be a way for the Church to reach out to transgender individuals, while others argue that the services go against biblical views on sexuality.

"Trans people feel powerfully called to be recognized in their 'chosen' name," said Rachel Mann, a senior transgender priest in the Church. "An opportunity to be publicly introduced to God is therefore significant. I think this is what the proposed liturgy aims to do. It will be symbolically powerful."

On the other hand, conservative Synod member Andrea Williams, who is also the director of Christian Concern, stated, 'We are sensitive to people who feel uncomfortable with their sex, but Christian teaching is that God made us man and woman.”

"It is unclear why we are even debating this issue," she added.

In their July meeting Synod members will also vote on whether marriage should be defined in Church doctrine as being between one man and one woman.

 

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: June 2, 2017