The Church of England will vote in July over whether or not to host “baptism-style” celebrations for transgender congregants who change their sex. Others, though, have spoken out against being so welcoming of the transgender lifestyle. (Mark Makela/Getty Images)
The Church of England will vote in July on whether or not to introduce special 'baptisms' for transgender people in a controversial move that has dismayed traditionalists, who say the Bible teaches gender is God-given.
One transgender priest, the Rev. Rachel Mann, rector of St. Nicholas Burnage and a minor canon at Manchester Cathedral, praised the scheduled vote on the issue.
“Trans people feel powerfully called to be recognized in their ‘chosen’ name,” Mann told Christian Today. “An opportunity to be publicly introduced to God is therefore significant. I think this is what the proposed liturgy aims to do.