Transsexual702
09-30-2005, 02:53 PM
U.K. Bishop supports Transsexual Priest
A senior Church of England bishop has backed the ordination of a transsexual woman despite criticism from right-wing groups.
A senior Church of England bishop has backed the ordination of a transsexual woman, defending the decision against criticisms from right-wing groups.
The Right Reverend Anthony Priddis, Bishop of Hereford, said it was perfectly acceptable to ordain curate Sarah Jones, 43. The ceremony was held this weekend, despite protests from some traditionalist groups.
Evangelical Alliance said Jones could not be accepted as a female priest because biblical teachings did not accept gender realignment.
The Rev. Priddis called for more understanding of differences and urged more respect for minority groups.
"What's important is that she's a person made by God, loved by God and given gifts by God who feels that she's called to be a priest, and that's a call that's been checked out by the church rigorously," he told the BBC.
"Gender realignment surgery helps address that issue, and it's about bringing mind and body into wholeness," he added. "I see this as something restorative and healing."
He said that Christians should also accept people who may have faced difficulties in gender recognition in the past because of legal and social changes.
The controversy surrounding Jones' ordination comes in the midst of increasingly bitter tensions within the worldwide Anglican Communion over gay clergy and the blessing of same-sex unions, particularly in North America. Conservative factions have made moves to distance themselves from the communion, and some leaders believe a schism is possible.
If you'd like to know more, you can find stories related to U.K. bishop supports transsexual priest.
A senior Church of England bishop has backed the ordination of a transsexual woman despite criticism from right-wing groups.
A senior Church of England bishop has backed the ordination of a transsexual woman, defending the decision against criticisms from right-wing groups.
The Right Reverend Anthony Priddis, Bishop of Hereford, said it was perfectly acceptable to ordain curate Sarah Jones, 43. The ceremony was held this weekend, despite protests from some traditionalist groups.
Evangelical Alliance said Jones could not be accepted as a female priest because biblical teachings did not accept gender realignment.
The Rev. Priddis called for more understanding of differences and urged more respect for minority groups.
"What's important is that she's a person made by God, loved by God and given gifts by God who feels that she's called to be a priest, and that's a call that's been checked out by the church rigorously," he told the BBC.
"Gender realignment surgery helps address that issue, and it's about bringing mind and body into wholeness," he added. "I see this as something restorative and healing."
He said that Christians should also accept people who may have faced difficulties in gender recognition in the past because of legal and social changes.
The controversy surrounding Jones' ordination comes in the midst of increasingly bitter tensions within the worldwide Anglican Communion over gay clergy and the blessing of same-sex unions, particularly in North America. Conservative factions have made moves to distance themselves from the communion, and some leaders believe a schism is possible.
If you'd like to know more, you can find stories related to U.K. bishop supports transsexual priest.