Easter Trans Statement

 

        OFFICE OF THE PRESIDING BISHOP

        Reformed Catholic Church

        www.reformedcatholic.org     

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Dear Brothers, Sisters, and They/Them Siblings in Christ,

HAPPY EASTER!  On this most solemn yet celebratory of all Christian feasts, we bishops of the Reformed Catholic Church have chosen to raise our voices in support of the Transgender Day of Visibility which is also being commemorated on March 31^st, 2024.  Sadly, the basic human dignity of transgender men, women and non-binary individuals in some parts of the United States is increasingly being violated.

“Who am I?”  This question marks the beginning of philosophy—indeed, the beginning of theology--as well as of psychology or reflective thought.  During a recent trans support group meeting that one of our bishops attended, participants agreed: “No doctor can tell me who I am!”  Who can tell any of us who we are?  A bishop?  A parent?  A judge?  Yet when asked how this group would respond to anyone who asserts “God made them male and female and that is it,” participants forcefully answered: “God made my soul!”

Yes, the soul.  Isn’t that what we believers profess?  God has fashioned us in the womb of our mothers in every shape, color, ability, or disability as wonderful, unique creatures in God’s own image.  But with such diversity, such a broad spectrum of humankind, how specifically are we made in God’s own image?  We answer: Human beings are not defined or constrained by our perishable, physical body.  Human beings are marked by our eternal soul, invisible to the eye but the essence of our identity.

Here then is where we stand as brothers, sisters and non-binary siblings, as all of us are in one way or another on the spectrum of gender.  In particular, we want those who are  trans or non-binary to know you are God’s precious child for whom Jesus offered his very self, even unto death on the cross.  Jesus gives us all a share in the power of his Resurrection; the promise of eternal life with a new body, transformed and yet true to the nature of who we have become.

We walk arm in arm with those who identify as transgender or non-binary.  We heartily affirm what you have often said to the church at large, to your families, to society and all its institutions (political, legal, medical, educational, etc.): “I am who I am.”

Whether Jew or Greek, gender fluid or cis male, trans or non-binary, we all must respond to the call we hear in Deuteronomy 6:5 “to love God with all one’s heart, soul, and might,” followed by the second great commandment in Matthew 22:39 and Luke

10:27: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”  We are also made aware in Galatians 3:28 that “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”

While it may be challenging to compare any of our own life experiences to the experience of a transgender or non-binary person living in a predominantly cisgender society, the Holy Spirit calls us to respond to all with empathy and compassion.  But does not the New Testament impel us even further?  Not just to accept but to embrace, nurture, and even celebrate the most vulnerable among us.

Therefore…

The bishops and clergy of the Reformed Catholic Church hereby oppose all legislation that would hinder individuals from access to care that affirms their true gender identity appropriate to their age and stage of life.

We similarly oppose attempts by legislatures to prohibit doctors, nurses, educators, parents, and other individuals from providing appropriate gender-affirming care.

We are appalled by the physical and verbal violence being directed at trans and nonbinary persons.  We call on our members and all people of goodwill to reject all forms of violence directed at trans and non-binary persons, as well as at our gay, lesbian, bisexual, and queer brothers and sisters.

The faith communities of our Reformed Catholic Church are open to all transgender and non-binary persons.  They are welcome to receive and fully celebrate all the sacraments of the church.  We stand ready to nurture into leadership those who are called to sacred orders as deacons, priests, and bishops. We encourage all who have a call to ministry through the variety of gifts the Holy Spirit has given them--be it music, education, administration, and so forth--to join us in our mission.  In short, ALL ARE WELCOME in both body and soul.

May we all experience and celebrate renewal this Easter, and may God bless you!

Sincerely in Christ,

The Bishops of the Reformed Catholic Church

Reformedcatholic.org