The Church of England in a motion passed with overwhelming support, has voted to welcome and affirm transgender individuals.
The Christian Post reports that the Church’s General Synod passed the motion by a significant majority in all three Houses.
“That this Synod, recognizing the need for transgender people to be welcomed and affirmed in their parish church, call on the House of Bishops to consider whether some nationally commended liturgical materials might be prepared to mark a person’s gender transition,” read the motion, which passed 127-28 in the House of Clergy, 127-48 in the House of Laity, and 30-2 in the House of Bishops.
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“I hope that we can make a powerful statement to say that we believe that trans people are cherished and loved by God, who created them, and is present through all the twists and turns of their lives,” said the Rev. Christopher Newlands at the Synod meeting.
The Rev. John Sentamu also spoke favorably of welcoming transgender individuals into the Church. “As the world listens to us, the world needs to hear us say that LGBT orientation and identity is not a crime. LGBT orientation and identity is not a sickness. And LGBT orientation and identity is not a sin,” said Sentamu, according to the BBC.
However, Most Rev. Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, continues to stand by the definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman.