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This is my body – new transgender Christian resource
A welcome boost for transgender Christians (and for transgender people in general in changing awareness of others) is the recently produced book ‘This is my body: hearing the theology of transgender Christians’- compiled and edited by the Anglican priest and hospital chaplain Christine Beardsley and the writer, lecturer and advocate Michelle O’Brien. This includes contributions from many associated with Sibyls, the UK based confidential spirituality group for transgender people & allies – would that we had something similar in Australia! – and, in my view, marks a major step forward for visibility of transgender Christians and transforming Christian negativity. As another Anglican priest and transwoman, Rachael Mann, comments, this ‘announces the growing confidence of trans Christians and our refusal to be treated as second-class and welcome under sufferance.’ A long way to go, but a lovely, insightful and readable contribution to the journey. For more on Sibyls – http://sibyls.gndr.org.uk
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4 Replies
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I consider this to be a major step in the right direction for transgender people. I sometimes feel the we are on the peripheral as far as spirituality is concerned. I’m not religious at all, caring yes, spiritual, very much so. If only we could start a chapter in Australia it would be fantastic.
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Look forward to hearing more about this landmark academic text. Wouldn’t mind a read of it myself actually.
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Liz wrote:…….. If only we could start a chapter in Australia it would be fantastic.
Off you go Liz. Nothing stopping you from being the start of a movement. Only takes one person to start it. Who knows where it will take up.
Best wishes
Catherine
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I think it may indeed be good to look at something in Australia and am checking out some links and resources. Happy to hear from others who might be interested
Just two of a few other (USA) resources I have found interesting are: Queer Theology (an initiative of a trans man and recently ordained Old Catholic priest, with some interesting reflections including ‘reading scripture through transgender eyes’) – https://www.queertheology.com
and Transfaith (a broader than Christian network for those exploring transgender issues and spirituality) – http://www.transfaithonline.org
