Gay, Lesbian, and Transgendered Priests

Buried in yesterday’s USA Today was a short article on the Episcopalian Church’s provisional approval of ceremonial language for same-sex marriages.  At their annual convention, the bishops also approved anti-discrimination language for transgendered clergy and members. The Rev. Carla Robinson, a transgender (born male) vicar of All Saints Church in Seattle, said, I stand here as a priest today because my gender expression didn't disqualify me.

The Episcopalian Church caused an uproar in 2003 by installing the first openly gay bishop. That was just the beginning. Last year, two Episcopalian lesbian priests were married in Massachusetts.

At the convention, several bishops who spoke out against these provisions warned that it will put the Episcopal Church out of the Christian mainstream. Let’s hope so.  “For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound teaching, but will follow their own desires and look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear” (2 Tim. 4:3).