The New Chapel Unitarian and Free Christian Church in the U.K. has unanimously voted to offer baptisms to transgender people.
Christian Today reports that the decision came about when a 10-year-old girl wanted to get baptized in her new gender.
Jean Clements, worship leader at the church, said, “I felt saddened by
the fact that this family were being shunned by many mainstream
churches. I would like to thank one courageous girl for inspiring me to
think carefully about this issue in the first place.''
Clements added that, although the decision could have been a controversial one, the congregation readily accepted it.
“It felt entirely natural. There was no controversy when they voted at
our annual general meeting. They spent more time discussing the autumn
fair and whether we might move it to the summer. Now that was
controversial,'' she said.
Other Unitarian congregations may soon follow New Chapel Unitarian and do more to include transgender people in their services.
The Church of England is also considering adding services for
transgender people, although some people have voiced dissent, stating
that God created male and female and that a transgender lifestyle runs
contrary to church teaching.
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