From our field organizer Michael Adee.
More Light Presbyterians & Friends ---
Pink or blue?
Gender is not as simply understood or experienced as pink or blue, female or male, biology, genetics or cultural understandings. Gender, gender identity and expression are a mystery much like other ways we are created by God and in the image of God.... such as the complexities and nuances of race, ethnicity and sexual orientation.
Because of the pioneering presence, teaching, ministry and witness of the Rev. Dr. Erin K. Swenson, Minister, Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, many of us have had our culturally-bound beliefs about gender challenged and expanded to include all of God's children, not just those who seem to fit or express gender norms.
Many of us transgress gender norms, I certainly do. Getting comfortable in one's own skin -- loving one's own body -- is a life-long journey. Ironically, it seems that Christians have a much harder time bringing body and soul -- gender, sexuality and spirituality -- together. Maybe we need to look again at the life and spirit of Jesus, the Bible and test the Puritan notions sadly infused in our theology and church law.For a variety of reasons the Church lags behind society in recognition and respect of gender diversity and its mysteries. Where is our faith when it comes to trusting the creative palette of the God who makes all of us? Frankly, I am puzzled by the neurotic religious and political fixation by those who demand that marriage is between a man and a woman, and those obsessed with traditional gender norms. It seems quite off balance, out of proportion and a lack of trust in God's own creation.
New York City is moving to make gender identity a personal choice. Self-determination, not cultural bias or gender norm. A New York Times' article follows that explains the rationale for this change. So, what is your church, campus ministry or seminary community, or the Church to do? How are faithful Christians to respond to the mysteries of gender and the realities of our sisters and brothers who are not simply pink or blue, female or male? I encourage your church leadership, deacons, Stephen's ministry, youth group and congregation to consider ways to encourage understanding and care related to transgender persons and their families.
Erin Swenson serves as a National Liaison on Transgender Education for More Light Presbyterians and recently as Co-Moderator of the National MLP Board of Directors. Her educational resources of
More Light on Transgender,
More Light on Intersex and Pastoral Care in Transgender Experience are invaluable in helping Christians understand gender identity and caring Christian responses. Erin would be delighted to help you create a local study and ministry. See our
transgender resources page for links to these resources.
I would hope that all of us would keep our hearts, minds and spirits open --- and listen to the lives and faith of those in our midst, in our families and churches who are transgender, intersex or do not seem to fit our particular formulas for gender. I would hope that all of us would trust God to know what God is doing in the midst of the creation of all God's own children.
And, maybe the question is not "pink or blue?" or "boy or girl?" after all -- rather the answer is that all of us are pink AND blue.
Pink and blue. Together We are Building a Church for All God's People.
with hope and grace,
Michael J. Adee, M.Div., Ph.D., National Field Organizer
More Light Presbyterians |
