• Transgender Media

  Bishop backs transgender clergy

  Posted by Adrian on 28/09/2005 at 9:50 am

  Source: gay.com Uk & Ireland
  http://uk.gay.com/headlines/9071

  A senior Church of England bishop has backed the ordination of a transsexual woman, defending the decision against criticisms from right-wing groups.

  The Right Reverend Anthony Priddis, Bishop of Hereford, said it was perfectly acceptable to ordain curate Sarah Jones, 43.

  The ceremony was held this weekend, despite protests from some traditionalist groups.

  Evangelical Alliance said Jones could not be accepted as a female priest because Biblical teachings did not accept gender realignment.

  But Rev Priddis told the BBC that Jones had been “made and loved by God”.

  He also called for more understanding of differences and urged more respect for minority groups.

  “What’s important is that she’s a person made by God, loved by God and given gifts by God who feels that she’s called to be a priest and that’s a call that’s been checked out by the church rigorously,” he said.

  “Gender realignment surgery helps address that issue and it’s about bringing mind and body into wholeness,” he added.

  “I see this as something restorative and healing.”

  He said that Christians should also accept people who may have faced difficulties in gender recognition in the past because of legal and social changes.

  “Those who suffer from it need help in order to be able to move to that wholeness which we, as Christians, want for everyone.”

  Adrian replied 19 years, 7 months ago 1 Member · 0 Replies
• 0 Replies

Log In to Reply