New gender blessings for trial use : Transition, affirmation liturgies commended for 12-month study
https://archives.anglican.ca/link/article43706
- Author
- Gardner, Matt
- Material Type
- Journal Article
- Journal
- Anglican Journal
- Date
- 2022 March
- Author
- Gardner, Matt
- Material Type
- Journal Article
- Journal
- Anglican Journal
- Date
- 2022 March
- Volume
- 148
- Issue
- 3
- Page
- 1, 6
- Notes
- "The Anglican Church of Canada has prepared a set of gender-themed liturgies for trial use, including a blessing on gender transition ... On Nov. 6 [2021], Council of General Synod (CoGS) voted to commend 'Pastoral Liturgies for Journeys of Gender Transition and Affirmation' for study, trial use, evaluation and feedback for a one-year period where permitted by bishops. The liturgies, a supplement to the 'Book of Alternative Services', include a blessing on the gender transition process, an affirmation of gender identity, additional prayers and pastoral prayer resources, suggested Bible readings and an appropriate hymnody" (p. 1) The liturgies were written by the Rev. Eileen Scully, director of Faith, Worship and Ministry "in close partnership with a consultative body which met at her invitation to inform the work" (p. 6). Primate Linda Nicholls met intentionally with LGBTQ+ Anglicans following the 2019 General Synod. "The group consisted of around 15 people, mostly transgender Anglicans but also a few 'allies' -- non-trans people actively involved in trans advocacy -- from across Canada, who would meet with Scully on a monthly basis and provide feedback on drafts" (p. 6). "In two books co-written with United Reformed Church minister the Rev. Chris Dowd, [Church of England priest Christina] Beardsley responded to conservative theology around gender that looks back to the Book of Genesis and the distinction between male and female in terms of Adam and Eve. Studying Paul's writings to the Romans, Beardsley said that when Paul writes about the 'new Adam' he uses the Greek word 'anthropos', rather than 'andros', meaning an adult male person" (p. 6). "The Rev. Theo Robinson, a transgender priest at Interlake Regional Shared Ministry and consultative body member, called approval of the liturgies for trial use 'an amazing step toward full inclusion'" (p. 6). "Sharon Dewey-Hetke, national director of the Anglican Communion Alliance (ACA) -- which describes itself as 'an organization that affirms classical Anglicanism' -- said putting forward a trial liturgy was premature and that further discussion of relevant theological issues is needed" (p. 6). "The Rev. Margaret Rodrigues (they/them), a transgender priest and member of the working group, has served as lead for transgender ministry in the diocese of Toronto since 2014. For Rodrigues, approval of the liturgies for trial use represents a spirit of optimism, acceptance, caring and love on the part of the church towards its transgender members, their friends, family and allies" (p. 6). "The 'Pastoral Liturgies for Journeys of Gender Transition and Affirmation' are currently available for download at anglican.ca/about/liturgicaltexts/trialuse. ... At the end of the trial period in November 2022, FWM [Faith, Worship and Ministry] will collect evaluations and discern whether more changes or feedback are needed. The liturgies must then go to CoGS again with a motion for General Synod to provide formal authorization" (p. 6).
- Subjects
- Gender transition - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada
- Gender reassignment surgery - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada
- Gender identity - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada
- Transgender people - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada
- Transgender people - Religious life
- Transsexuals - Religious aspects - Anglican Church of Canada
- Transgender clergy - Anglican Church of Canada
- Anglican Church of Canada - Liturgy - Texts
- Pastoral Liturgies for Journeys of Gender Transition and Affirmation
- Liturgical renewal - Anglican Church of Canada - 21st century
- Scully, J. Eileen (Jennifer Eileen), 1964-
- Nicholls, Linda (Linda Carol), 1954-
- Beardsley, Christina, 1951-
- Robinson, Theo
- Dewey-Hetke, Sharon
- Rodrigues, Margaret
- Anglican Church of Canada. Faith, Worship and Ministry Committee