Created in God’s image

Transgender and nonbinary Christians are searching for the same things other believers want: a connection to God in a loving community gathered in the spirit of Jesus Christ. But transgender/nonbinary seekers are often without a place to call their “church home” because most congregations aren’t ready to welcome them as companions in faith. Open and Affirming congregations can be that home for their transgender/nonbinary family and neighbors if they take the time to listen to their stories and understand their experiences.

Use this page to learn more. If your Open and Affirming congregation has not yet updated its ONA covenant to include a clear and confident welcome to the transgender/nonbinary community, now is the time to consider amending your covenant after a time of prayer, study and dialogue. The resources on this page can help, including the 1993 resolution by General Synod “Affirming the Participation and Ministry of Transgender People within the United Church of Christ and Supporting Their Civil and Human Rights.”

If your congregation is already a safe place for your transgender/nonbinary members, this might be the time to move from welcome to advocacy. Transgender/nonbinary Americans face legal obstacles in their quest to live with the same freedoms and opportunities most of us take for granted. Laws to ban transgender students in school sports and to define gender-affirming medical treatment for transgender youth have been proposed or enacted in several states. There may be opportunities in your community and state to advocate for laws that fully protect the basic rights of transgender/nonbinary residents, and to learn from them other ways your congregation can help.

Transgender Day of Visibility

On the Sunday nearest Transgender Day of Visibility (March 31), your congregation can honor your transgender/nonbinary members and neighbors, and organize educational events around gender identity and expression. Consider inviting a representative from your local LGBTQ Community Center or your statewide LGBTQ advocacy movement to present on state legislation threatening transgender safety and rights. Celebrate the spiritual gifts your transgender/nonbinary members bring to your congregation.

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) on Nov. 20 is an opportunity for your ONA congregation to honor your trans neighbors—here and abroad—who lost their lives in the past year to violence and suicide. Transgender women of color in American cities are especially vulnerable to assault and murder. Your congregation can send a clear message to your community: yes, there is a church where trans people are wanted, valued, and safe. Organize a special service of remembrance, and make sure it’s publicized widely. Many churches will read out the names of transgender victims while ringing a bell: it’s a powerful way to honor their memory, and to renew our commitment to building a church and a world where all are welcome. Here are resources to help.

Lament and Proclamation by the Rev. Malcolm Himschoot
Names of transgender victims
Ideas for organizing around TDOR in your community

What your church can do

Call Me Malcolm

Order this video for your church