TRANSGENDER LITURGIES:
Should the Church of England develop liturgical
materials to mark gender transition?
By Martin Davie
Latimer Press. 110 pages. £5.99
ISBN 978 1 906 327 491
This short, readable book examines the case for and against church services to mark gender transition. The book speaks into the debate within the Church of England, but is actually one of the most concise and thorough summaries of arguments (for both sides) available.
The book falls into three parts, of roughly equal length. Firstly, the arguments put in favour of celebrating gender transition in church are summarised; Secondly, a critical doctrinal evaluation of the arguments for accepting gender transition; Thirdly, a pastoral approach to gender transition is explained.
Given space
One of the most helpful things about this book is the way supporters of gender transition are given space to put their own arguments, in their own words. This avoids the common charge of criticising straw men arguments.
The resting place Davie lands on can be summarised in his own words: ‘It is true that all in the church need to offer people afflicted with gender dysphoria love, acceptance and support, and should affirm the virtuous aspects of the lives of transgender people. However, it does not follow that they should therefore affirm gender transition… The idea of gender transition is philosophically and theologically problematic and it is far from clear that going through gender transition leads to the relief of mental suffering that those with gender dysphoria seek to achieve.’ (p.63)
Excellent summary
There is, understandably, considerable confusion, fear and pressure around this issue. The need for church leaders to be aware of the arguments is only going to increase. This excellent summary of the views on both sides of the debate is an excellent tool – for those inside and outside the Church of England.
