Almost every local congregation thinks of their community of faith as friendly and welcoming. Open and affirming congregations tend to view their houses of worship as offering an extravagant welcome to all people. In reality, however, both groups often fall short of these ideals.
For congregations that strive to welcome all people, Shannon Kearns’ recent article is filled with practical insight related to welcoming transgender people. Shannon shares seven questions that will help open and affirming congregations discern how welcoming they currently are of transgender people:
- Do you mention transgender people anywhere on your site? And if so, are you using language that is currently considered appropriate?
- Do you make it a point to mention that you have gender neutral or single stall bathrooms?
- Does your statement of inclusion specifically mention both gender identity and gender expression?
- How do you refer to God on your website? Do you use only male pronouns? Or only binary pronouns?
- Do you have lots of gender specific ministries and groups? If so do you make clear that transgender people are welcome in those groups? Do you have groups for transgender or non-binary identified people? (And really, do you need gendered groups to begin with?)
- Do you mention that you welcome families with gender diverse children?
- Do you mention that people can dress however they are comfortable?
So What?
When I initially read Shannon Kearns’ article I stopped after each question to try to answer it for each of the two open and affirming congregations I currently serve. I encourage you to do your best to answer each question for the congregation you know best.
After giving my answers I realized that these questions deserve greater attention than that intellectual exercise provides. So, I will be inviting others to join the conversation at Fort Myers Congregational United Church of Christ. Together we will more accurately assess the welcome as it is today and recommend any changes that may improve our welcome. Perhaps you can help convene a similar initiative in your local congregation.