Church offers ‘second baptism’ for trans people
The New Chapel (Unitarian and Free Christian) in Greater Manchester is offering a special service for transgender Christians, allowing them to get baptized again after changing their gender.
They will allow trans people to be baptized in their new identity after transitioning, after Pastor Jean Clements met a family who were dismayed there was no such procedure for their transgender daughter.
“I felt saddened by the fact that this family were being shunned by many mainstream churches,” se told BBC. “However, when the family came to New Chapel, the congregation welcomed them with open arms.”
The baptism will be orchestrated in the same manner as all others. And while The New Chapel is offering acceptance, not all Unitarian Chapels will be offering these services. The decision is left with the church whether or not they want to follow suit.
“While I am being congratulated for our progress on this particular matter, I would like to thank one courageous girl for inspiring me to think carefully about this issue in the first place,” she added.
