emerging trans Christian prayers and liturgy: signs of the Holy Spirit at work today

DLT has happily released a downloadable sample liturgy to publicise materials in the forthcoming book TransFaith and as a response to English church developments. At the same time, others have also been stirred to share or create as part of an increasing stream of life and love..  A good friend and fellow Brisbane Anglican colleague Cathy Laufer has for instance recently written a draft liturgy for a potential renaming ceremony for me, and other friends, like the St Brigid Community at Vancouver Anglican Cathedral, and one of The Sibyls (Christian transgender spirituality support group) leaders Susan Gilchrist, have also kindly shared their work with me - check out my prayer and worship resources section for several examples (and do let me know if you write your own!).  There are many such seeds slowly beginning to germinate.  It is good to see and a sign of the Holy Spirit moving afresh.  For one of the sure indications of the Spirit moving is the renewing of prayer and worship in the light of new understandings and revaluing (especially of that which was been previously marginalised).  This was striking during the campaign for women's ordination in which I was closely involved in England, and in other journeys of struggle which I have supported and been a part.  So much creative, re-enlivening scholarship and imaginative prayer and worship emerges.  A similar feature can now be seen among trans Christians and their allies as prayers, liturgies and other essential spiritual aids are emerging.  Some of this is still a groaning of the Spirit, seeking expression.  Yet it has a powerful, engaging, appeal.  Even setbacks, like the recent Church of England bishops refusal to produce General Synod asked-for liturgy for trans affirmation, cannot hold it back. In fact, such controversies actually feed the Spirit!  For these developments are grounded in the needs of God's children and the empowering of them to share their gifts more widely for the glory of God and the healing of others.

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