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UK News

Church of Scotland issues transgender support booklet

A new 30-page booklet - being sent to every single Church of Scotland congregation - is also urging churches to be sensitive to the needs of those identifying as transgender or gender non-confirming.

Rev Norman Smith, Convener of the Church's Mission and Discipleship Council, said: "It [the booklet] is not intended to make any kind of statement regarding the Church's wider relationship with the transgender community, nor does it provide a theological explanation or understanding of transgender issues.

"The Church of Scotland exists to bring the good news of the Gospel to all the people of Scotland, with whom we have stood for many generations and continue to do so today."

The material features testimonies from eleven people - including several who identify as transgender, as well as a spouse of, a parent and a minister of a transgender person.

The booklet details accounts of transgender people describing bullying by some Christians and pressure to conceal transgenderism over fears of how other church-goers will respond.

Rev Smith went on to say: "We want to help congregations support all in their communities, in the best way we can and this resource helps those who care for others do that to the best of their ability.

"It is aimed at better facilitating pastoral care at a local level by giving people the space to talk about their faith and share the impact of the Church community on their lives."

The Scottish Trans Alliance was consulted on the booklet.

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