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Communing With Our Trans Kindred — A Conversation for the Black Church

In the birthplace of liberty, Philadelphia, PA

When: Saturday, March 24, 2012, 10-4pm
Where: St Paul's Baptist Church, 1000 Wallace St, Philadelphia, PA 19123
Cost: $85 registration includes lunch and toolkit
To register: http://transkindred.eventbrite.com/

As Christians and people of faith, Jesus called us to unity of spirit and unity of purpose. Yet we are also valued by God for our uniqueness. As the family of God, each person maintains a separate identity, while all co-exist in the same faith and for the same cause.

This conference will provide safe and sacred space for honest questions and authentic conversations between transgender Christians and those who seek to build better relationships in the Black Church. This will be a sacred experience combining heartfelt worship and praise, fresh knowledge and moving discussions.

Featured remarks by

  • Rev Donna Jones, Cookman Community Baptist Church
  • Rev Dr Mark Tyler, Senior Pastor, Mother Bethel AME

More about the event...

Sponsored by the African-American Roundtable in collaboration with Many Voices and TransFaith Online.

I am elated about the Trans Kindred Conference. This event provides a golden opportunity for enriching worship and deeper connection with transgender members of our church community and neighborhoods. Many Voices applauds the creation of space for conversations that encourage relationship building and the possibility for wider welcome in our churches. ~ Rev. Cedric A. Harmon, Many Voices project

God’s love is for everyone and because of that we must continually ask the question who are we missing and seek ways to open the doors of our faith communities and most importantly, our hearts, more broadly. ~ Bishop Tonyia Rawls, Unity Fellowship Church Charlotte

The scripture teaches us to be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. In the church, the time has come for us to practice this ministry of listening in relationship to our transgender brothers and sisters. ~ Rev. Leslie D Callahan, St. Paul's Baptist Church, Philadelphia, PA

If my mother and her pastor had an opportunity like this one, then perhaps he'd have been able to better minister to her needs and fears about my transition. I believe he meant well, but there was no place for him to get informed or ask questions. ~ Min. Louis Mitchell, Recovering the Promise Ministries, Chicopee, MA

The African American church has a long, rich history of loving and committed people who live on or cross gender lines. We have found ways to make a home for these unique and colorful brothers and sisters. It is time to bring them fully into the light, to hear and learn from their stories and to stand with them in solidarity. None of us are free until all of us are free. ~ Bishop Yvette Flunder, City of Refuge UCC

The Historic Black church has often been the place where folk who had been marginalized, ostracized and oppressed could find solace, hope and healing. As we further move in to the 21st century we must ask ourselves who are those who have been battered, bruised and beaten by the world. Then like Jesus we must be agents of healing.

The [transgender] community has been beaten by the world and often the church. It is time for the suffering to end we must welcome our sisters and brothers in the love of Christ as full members of the community of faith. Then we must grow together. ~ Bishop Dwayne Royster, Living Water UCC, Philadelphia, PA

If all you know about the transgender experience is from watching Chaz Bono and the Jerry Springer Show, you may not realize just how many African-American trans people there are—and how important the Black Church is to them. I've never heard of an opportunity to dialogue like this. The hard part is getting the word out to the people who might benefit the most. Please tell somebody about it! ~ Chris Paige, founder, TransFaith Online

The Interfaith Working Group is one of the non-profit organizations behind this project, as well as TransFaith Online, the TransFaith Network, and the TransFaith Hub.  Please show your appreciation by supporting our work!

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