The Episcopal Church has taken an unequivocal and strong position in support of trans, non-binary, and two-spirit people. We have affirmed their presence and leadership at every level of ecclesial life. The foundation of this position is a comprehensive theology of the human condition, encompassing a nuanced understanding of gender and its complexities. The church celebrates the complexity of reflecting the mystery of God’s image in which we are made. We honor the beauty of creation filled with ambiguity and the possibility of transformation*.
The Diocese of Maine is on record opposing eight of the bills in the legislature. On the day of the public hearing many clergy and people of faith from our churches were on hand to offer their support for the transgender community in Maine. One of our youngest testifiers, Oliver Nolt, from St. Alban’s in Cape Ellizabeth testified on behalf of Maine Episcopal Youth.
“As a trans kid myself these bills passing would make it more difficult for me to really be me. To be my truest self. Once I came out as trans to my parents the very first place I used my new name and pronouns was at a Maine Episcopal Youth conference. It was the happiest and most free I had felt in a long time, to be around people who accepted me for me. Later I had a renaming ceremony at my church that made me happier than ever to be accepted by my faith, especially because religion can often be weaponized against minorities. But some people don’t have that safe space. Some people don’t really have anywhere to have that safe space except at school.”
Our churches strive to create space for the ongoing exploration of gender identity and its expression in diverse cultures and contexts. We have committed to this work to answer the call to respect the dignity of the trans, non-binary, and two-spirit communities in Maine, both in our congregational lives and in the public square.
In these challenging and perilous times, we recognize that the church must not shy away from discussing uncomfortable topics, as too much is at stake. The church must learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Our awareness and recognition of transgender issues have grown exponentially in the past several years. We believe that our churches must understand their role in the public square is to fulfill our baptismal covenant.
There are many reasons for trans people to blend into the background unnoticed, trying to shield who they are. We want them to realize they will be loved and celebrated in our churches, where they can stand before God as the person God created them to be.
After Oliver testified in front of the Judiciary Committee, the Senate President, Matty Daughtry sent word that she would like to meet him. Imagine Oliver’s delight when he met with her and was given a special tour of the Senate chamber, President’s office suite and former Governor Baxter’s office, now a space for senate staffers. Walking back upstairs to the committee room to meet up with his mom, Oliver told me that he wanted to make a difference in the world. I told him he just did.
Walking together, we are asking all of our Maine legislators to reject the attacks on the transgender community and vote to defeat the proposals in front of them in the days ahead.
*General Convention Resolutions (2018) CO22, CO54, (2022) D029, DO66
Transgender Bills
- L.D. 233, H.P. 156 An Act to Prohibit Biological Males from Participating in School Athletic Programs and Activities Designated for Females When State Funding Is Provided to the School. (Presented by Representative CAMPBELL of Orrington)
- L.D. 380, S.P. 145 An Act to Amend Certain Laws Regarding Gender-affirming Health Care Services. (Presented by Senator HAGGAN of Penobscot)
- L.D. 868, H.P. 554 An Act to Ensure Equity and Safety in Athletics, Restrooms, Changing Rooms and Housing at Elementary, Secondary and Postsecondary Schools. (Presented by Representative CARUSO of Caratunk)
- L.D. 1002, H.P. 649 An Act to Protect Children’s Identification by Requiring Public Schools to Use the Name and Gender Specified on a Child’s Birth Certificate. (Presented by Representative LYMAN of Livermore Falls)
- L.D. 1134, S.P. 461 An Act to Prohibit Males from Participating in Female Sports or Using Female Facilities. (Presented by Senator BERNARD of Aroostook)
- L.D. 1337, H.P. 872 An Act to Amend the Maine Human Rights Act Regarding Female Athletes and Safety in Women’s Single-sex Shelters. (Presented by Representative CARUSO of Caratunk)
- L.D. 1432, H.P. 941 An Act to Remove Consideration of Gender Identity from the Maine Human Rights Act. (Presented by Representative SOBOLESKI of Phillips)
- L.D. 1704, H.P. 1139 An Act to Prohibit a School Administrative Unit from Adopting a Policy That Allows a Student to Use a Restroom Designated for Use by the Opposite Sex. (Presented by Representative SMITH of Palermo)