"Be careful when you draw a line
between 'us' and 'them,' because
Jesus is always on the other side with
'them.'"
I do not remember when or from whom I
heard that statement. However, it has
stuck with me and challenges me as I
continue to wrestle with proclaiming the
gospel in relevant and faithful ways.
The gospels are filled with stories of
Jesus standing with, eating with
, healing, touching, and welcoming
those whom the culture labeled as
"them" - Samaritans, lepers, tax
collectors, women, outcasts, children,
the least, the last, the poor, the meek,
those who mourn, and those who are
persecuted – proclaiming that in God's
reign "they" are the greatest. Our
society often labels transgender people
and those who identify as LGBTQIA+
as "them."
Today I am writing to publicly announce
that I stand with "them."
Several bills introduced into the
legislative process in both Kansas and
Missouri can be described as "anti-
trans." These bills prohibit the full
inclusion of transgender children and
youth participation in sports, restrict
open education that encourages
respectful learning about the diversity
of human sexual orientation and
identities, and prevent affirming
medical treatment for individuals who
are transgender. Often the justification
for such legislation is to protect children
and youth or the rights of parents,
these laws have the effect of drawing a
line between "us" (those who fit into the
perceived "normal" understanding of
sexuality) and "them" (those who do
not), diminishing and limiting the lives
of "them."
I am fully aware that, as a church, we continue to have different interpretations of the Scriptures regarding human sexuality. Some believe it is clear that God created us male and female, that marriage is between a male and female, and cite Scripture passages that condemn certain same-gender sexual acts. The belief is that to go against this binary understanding of sexuality is to go against God's created order.
For others, it is clear that the order that
God created out of chaos is much more
fluid, diverse, and mysterious. Rather
than going against God's created order,
the diversity of human sexuality and
identities reflect the glory and majesty
of a God in whose image they are
created and loved. This is my
understanding, and it calls me to stand
with transgender individuals and affirm
their value, worth, and beauty as God's
beloved children.
Regardless of where one stands in their
interpretation of Scripture, I hope we
can all stand together as "us" and
"them" united in love and care for our
neighbors. In our recent workshops led
by Reconciling Works (www.reconcilingworks.org), we
were reminded that the suicide rate
among transgender youth is
dramatically higher than their peers.
Having just one supportive adult in their
lives can make all the difference.
This is not a social issue. This is what
the body of Christ means that when
a person suffers, we all suffer. We are
all diminished by the lines we draw
between "us" and "them."
I am compelled to speak out not as part of a political agenda but as a proclamation of the gospel, seeing the face of Christ in every person. As you examine your own understanding, responsibility, and call as people of faith, I urge you to pray and act in ways that affirm the humanity of all God's people and stand against ways that diminish lives.
Bishop Susan Candea, Central States Synod