The Church of England has voted to ‘welcome and affirm’ transgender Christians and to provide services for people transitioning.
The Church’s governing body have backed a motion which said there was a need for transgender people to be ‘welcomed and affirmed in their parish church’ as part of the ‘long and often complex process’ of transition.
Rev Chris Newlands’ motion also called for the church to provide guidance to help clergy provide services for transgender people to mark their transitions.
Services celebrating significant moments in life, such as marriages and births are all celebrated with special services by the Church.
But now services for transgender Christians could help support transitioning people as they take on their new identities, after a historic vote took place at the General Synod.
Bishops voted 30 to two in favour, while 127 lay members voted for and 48 against, and clergy backed the motion 127 to 28.
On Saturday, the General Synod voted clearly in favour of a motion calling for a ban on so-called conversion therapy for LGBT Christians.
Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu said: ‘As the world listens to us the world needs to hear us say that LGBT orientation and identity is not a crime.
‘LGBT orientation and identity is not a sickness. And LGBT orientation and identity is not a sin.’
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