Giving thanks for Uniting Church steps forward

Giving thanks today both for the Trans & Gender Diverse (TGD) Affirming resolution yesterday at the triennial gathering of the Assembly of the Uniting Church in Australia, and, perhaps as or more important, for the overall spirit of discussion. This represents the first specific positive national affirmation of TGD folks in a mainstream Church in Australia and marks a step in the ever more necessary conversations and relationships between TGD & other queer people and communities of faith, not least those of diverse cultural backgrounds.
See official Uniting Church Assembly report here...

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The proposal adopted came from trans & trans ally members of my own congregation and nearby already trans positive congregations who were then thankful for its adoption by Sydney Presbytery. Whilst crucially affirming TGD folks (and intersex people - with whom a separate conversation must now be developed), and calling for policy makers to ensure our full human dignity as well as further development of positive work by UCA congregations, schools and other agencies, the resolution is deliberately invitational, recognising the diversity of cultures and perspectives in the Uniting Church - including the impossibility (thank God) of one fits-all approach to TGD theology and life. I am delighted that work will also be done on TGD honouring language, prayers and liturgical materials through the UCA's Transforming Worship Circle.

My sense is that the discussion yesterday reflected a growing maturity in UCA and some other healthier faith spaces that LGBTIQ+ people and concerns are not to be shunned, or worse vigorously opposed, but that the health of our shared social, cultural, political and religious spaces requires that we engage, become educated about differences, and seek empowerment together. I am under no illusion that yesterday was but a step on that journey, and there is much more work to be done in the UCA and in other more open and diverse spaces. However I rejoice that the UCA has shown that this is a process that can be entered into, bringing flourishing. Above all, it was such a delight to have several TGD members of Assembly speak (well and wonderfully) yesterday (as well as myself, by grace of the Assembly, as part of the Sydney Presbytery presentation) - showing something of the extraordinary life and gifts of TGD folks already in the UCA and other faith spaces, helping contribute to a brighter future for us all, together.