Description
Book SynopsisThere remains a lack of knowledge and understanding about trans people in the church, and trans people who are religious can experience bias in their faith communities. With the help of their many years of experience working with trans people negotiating their relationships with religious institutions, the authors (one of whom is trans) have created this accessible, valuable guide that will educate and improve churches' relationship with trans people.
Combining first-hand interviews, the authors' own experiences and scripture analysis, this thought-provoking guide uses this combination of ancient and contemporary stories to outline a theology that welcomes and includes all people whatever their gender identity or sexual orientation. Written from this inclusive Christian perspective, the book answers questions about trans people that are specific to church communities.
Trade ReviewHere is an invitation, written with honesty, openness and sensitivity, to walk with those on their gender journey, of hurts and hope, misunderstandings and truth, rejections and affirmation, to discover together the love of God, the identity we each have in Christ, and shared support of a Faith community around us.
-- Revd Kevin Watson, former Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church
This Guide should be mandatory reading for anyone in church leadership. It tackles head on many of the myths that have existed around trans people with searing honesty and courage, and sets out practical steps about how to pastorally support a community that is sadly so often under fire. I pray that this book will break our hearts and help us see how best to love such a precious part of Christ's body. -- Jayne Ozanne, Director of the Ozanne Foundation
Through stories of lived experience, the use of Scripture, and insightful commentary on contemporary discourse on gender, Tina and Chris have written a resource that challenges and encourages the reader on a timely and necessary journey towards a truly Trans inclusive theology and practice.
-- Luke Dowding, Executive Director of OneBodyOneFaith
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements; The Authors; Foreword by Dr Susannah Cornwall; Introduction; 1. Understanding who trans people are; 2. What the Bible really tells us about trans people; 3. The culture wars and the Christian community; 4. Loving someone trans; 5. Towards a transgender inclusive liturgy; 6. How to be a transgender affirming congregation; Appendices A: A suggested outline syllabus on trans awareness for a clergy continuing ministerial development/continuing professional development day; B: The Genderbread Person; C: Useful Organisations & Networks; D: Poem -
Grave Robbers by Peterson Toscano; References
