The Episcopal Church Passes New Church Policy In Regard To Trans People

[VickySGV]

The Episcopal Church has been holding its triennial General Convention in Austin Texas for  the past week, today  a resolution in regard to Trans people and the Church's ministry in the coming years.  There was NO oral opposition from the over 400 people able to vote on it, and a few abstentions were all that kept it from being unanimous .  A friend of mine at the convention sent this text of it.  I am so proud and happy!

 

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Inclusion of Transgender People

 

Resolved, the House of Bishops concurring, That the 79th General Convention affirm the following guiding principles for the inclusion of transgender and non-binary people and urge that the Dioceses of the Episcopal Church prayerfully consider adopting and implementing the following guiding principles for the inclusion of transgender and non-binary people in their parishes, missions, schools and camps:

 

Guiding Principles for the Inclusion of Transgender and Non-Binary People in Dioceses, Parishes, Missions, Schools and Camps:

 

We believe that all people are created in the image of God and that all people are beloved children of God. Because this is true,

 

We will protect the rights and respect the dignity of transgender and non-binary persons, refusing to reject, judge, abuse, belittle or in any way dehumanize them.

We will engage the complex realities for transgender and non-binary persons in our churches, schools, and camps, and not yield to the temptation to ignore those realities.

We will recognize and accept our responsibility to protect the privacy of transgender and non-binary persons.

We will make decisions about how to support transgender and non-binary minors in our schools and camps in sensitive and appropriate communication with their parents.

We will provide a safe environment for transgender and non-binary persons, for those who support them, and for those who do not understand our commitment to these principles.

We will stay flexible in response to the complex and changing ramifications of this work by being open to relevant stories, to emerging information, and to the movement of the Holy Spirit.

And be it further

 

Resolved, that materials to help promote the Guiding Principles of this resolution be developed and curated by the Office of Formation through partnerships with organizations such as Integrity and TransEpiscopal.

 

 

[Annie]

Amazing! You should be proud -this is awesome.

[VickySGV]

And one more for the road:

 

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C022 Supporting Transgender Access

Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 79th General Convention of The Episcopal Church reaffirm its support for the enactment of laws at the local, state and federal level that prohibit discrimination based on gender identity or the expression of one’s gender identity; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church support legislative, educational, pastoral, liturgical, and broader communal efforts that seek to end the pattern of violence against transgender people in general and transgender women in particular, calling attention especially to the rising violence against transgender women of color and gender non-conforming people; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church oppose all legislation that restricts public restroom, locker room and shower access for transgender and gender non-conforming people, recognizing that such bills disproportionately impact and contribute to a pattern of violence against transgender women and non-binary identified people; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church ask dioceses and parishes to remove barriers to full participation in congregational life by making their gender-specific facilities and activities fully accessible to all, regardless of gender identity and expression; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church direct the Office of Government Relations to advocate for passage of federal legislation that protects transgender and gender non-conforming persons from discrimination; and be it further

Resolved, That The Episcopal Church urge dioceses, parishes, and Episcopalians to advocate for passage and enactment of similar legislation at the local and state level.

 

[Sandra6sandy9sand]

This is wonderful.  I hope I can find something similar in my church.

 

Sandra