Dear Justin Welby, we're looking to you for a stronger Christian voice on transgender issues
Following Justin Welby's criticism of a Christian couple
who removed their children from school after boys were allowed to come
to class wearing dresses, James Mildred gives his opinion in an open
letter to the Archbishop of Canterbury
Dear Archbishop Welby,
I listened to your recent interview on LBC and in particular your comments about the case of the Rowe’s
and their six year old son. While I can appreciate the complexities of the case
and your own feelings on it, I was staggered at what you said. Could you not
find any words of encouragement to these two faithful Christians who are simply
doing what they think is right? And do you really think it is right to encourage
children as young as six to cross-dress? Is it right, under God, for Christian
parents to expose their children to such behaviour which is the ultimate product
of muddled thinking? Surely not!
Having done media interviews on the transgender issues myself; I know how
difficult it is to communicate with clarity and compassion a strong, biblical
view. I do not doubt that as the most senior church leader in the land, it will
fall increasingly upon you to communicate the church’s view on the transgender
issue. With all I am about to say, let me assure you of my prayers. It is a big
responsibility, far beyond any of us.
As Archbishop, you have a platform few other church leaders have.
Opportunities will come your way that will not fall into the lap of others.
Many, many Christians (Anglicans and others) are looking to you in desperate
need of clarity and help. What is the CofE’s position on transgender issues?
What is the message of the church in the face of this
challenge?
As a committed Christian, who loves God’s Word, surely you will agree
with me that the Bible offers us a firm foundation when it comes to responding
with truth to the transgender debate. While all of us need wisdom when it comes
to the sensitive and complex pastoral realities, our stating point must be God’s
word. I ask you as a church leader to use your platform to make the following
truths known.
Firstly, the Bible is not silent about gender, it explains where it
originated and this needs to be proclaimed. Genesis tells us that God made them
male and female. Jesus himself had a high view of Genesis and especially God’s
pattern for gender and marriage. In explaining the Christian view, this must be
our starting point.
Secondly, we must explain the diagnosis the Bible offers which explains
the brokenness of our world. Romans 8 talks about creation groaning in
frustration, under God’s curse. Difficult conditions like gender dsyphoria are
part of this brokenness. For some, gender is between the ears. But we need to
remember that God has made us body, soul, mind and spirit – we form a coherent
whole. A Church of England position paper on this issue from 2003 rightly
pointed out: "We are not simply people who inhabit bodies; rather our bodies are
part of who we are".
Thirdly, as of course you will know far better than I, in Christian
thought, transsexuals are made in God’s image. This means, like every human
being they have an irreducible value. We must never forget this. This truth,
alongside others guides our response to people in genuine distress because of
strong feelings of being trapped in the wrong body. Alongside this high view of
human dignity, it is the inevitable outcome of this view that we also utterly
reject and abhor bullying and denigration of transsexuals. The Christian
worldview is reliably consistent. Can I plead with you to make that
clear?
Finally, tell the truth about the false idea that gender transitioning
inevitably helps those who struggle with the awful problem of gender dysphoria.
There are those who regret their decision. We must realise there is another side
to this whole debate that our mainstream media simply ignores. For many,
transitioning from one sex to another did not bring peace, joy or comfort but
only further misery and pain.
I know how deeply complicated this debate is. But what I have outlined
seems to me to be fixed lines in the sand that should not be
crossed.
The best news for anyone, be they transsexual or not is the scandalous
love and grace of God that is revealed in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The
Christian message holds out the promise of reliable hope that one day, if we
trust in Christ, all will be put right.
Rather than encouraging transitioning, surely we must be compassionately
helping those affected to come to terms with their birth sex. Archbishop, when
you go on LBC and other media outlets, will you commit to speaking the truth in
love? Will you stand firm, courageously proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ
as the only answer for lost sinners? We need strong, clear leadership on this
issue. I pray that you will be able to provide it.
Yours faithfully,
James Mildred
James Mildred is the co-host of the Holy Political
Podcast
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