From Rev. Dana’s Desk
September 14, 2023
One of the issues that we have been reflecting on at Trinity this year is potentially identifying ourselves as an Affirming Parish, one that not only welcomes people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, but also a place where everyone feels valued and are affirmed as a beloved child of God for who they are, as they are. For me part of being affirming is being an ally who speaks up for others, lending my voice to those who are speaking out against injustice, intolerance and even hatred.
One of the issues that has come to the forefront recently is government policies in both New Brunswick and Saskatchewan, and possibly Ontario in the near future, that require schools to inform parents when their children express a desire to use a different name or pronouns at school. A similar policy was also endorsed by the Conservative Party at their recent convention. On the surface this may not seem like a big issue and in fact some have advocated that parents have a right to know, but many are speaking out about the potential danger this could pose. The reality is that for some, school is their only safe place, the only place they are safe to be themselves, to express who they truly are. For them home can be a very hostile environment and to inform their parents of their choice of name or pronouns could put them at danger of physical, emotional and verbal abuse. This policy may place some young people in the very difficult position of hiding who they are, what they know about themselves and their identity for fear of abuse, and may lead to greater shame and self-hatred, which are a recipe for disastrous consequences. As some have pointed out the suicide rate among trans and non-gender conforming teens is already very high, higher than other young people. If the only safe place for them is removed and they are forced to continue to hide who they are, this will only get worse. This is why so many are speaking out against these policies. By speaking out we not only seek to change what is happening but we are telling these young people they matter, that who they are is not something to be ashamed of or that they need to hide, but that there are people who not only accept them but love them for who they are, as they are. For me this has included sharing a post that is making the rounds on Facebook with the words “No Space for Hate” surrounding an image of Canada in the Trans and Rainbow colours.
Some may question whether this is an issue the church should be involved in. The reality is the Church is already involved, as there are those who are claiming Christian values as they espouse hatred and attack the rights of others. For those of us who hold a different perspective we need to speak out so that they are not the only voice of the Church being heard and seen. It is not a matter of who can shout louder, but demonstrating our support and compassion to those who need it especially at this time. As those who have promised to strive for justice and peace among all people and to respect the dignity of every human being, we have an obligation to speak out when we see and hear injustice and hateful rhetoric that targets vulnerable people.
As we continue to talk about what it would or could look like for us to be an Affirming Congregation, I think that this is one example, speaking out so that those who are targeted, who may not feel safe elsewhere know that we are a safe space, a place that says you are free to be who you are and we accept you and love you. By doing this I think we also present an alternative, positive image of the Church to those who have been condemned and targeted in the name of Jesus and the Church, who have been hurt by the Church. While we may not yet be in a position to speak and act as a congregation, we can respond as individuals and proclaim that there is no place for hate and actively seek to counter the hate that we encounter in our society.
Trinity Anglican Church, Bradford 