As faith leaders, we are committed to upholding the principles of love, justice, and inclusivity that form the foundation of our diverse religious traditions. In light of President Trump's recent executive order, "Eradicating Anti-Christian Bias," we feel compelled to address the implications of this directive and affirm the inherent dignity of all individuals, including our transgender siblings in faith.
The executive order emphasizes the protection of religious freedoms and the elimination of anti-Christian bias within government institutions. While safeguarding religious liberty is essential, we must ensure that such measures do not inadvertently marginalize or exclude other vulnerable communities. Notably, the order criticizes previous policies that sought to protect individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity, framing them as antagonistic to Christian beliefs. This perspective risks perpetuating misunderstandings and fostering division within our communities.
We recognize that transgender individuals can be people of faith, actively participating in and contributing to our strong religious communities. Many transgender people are involved in their faith communities, and we strive to welcome them with love and support. Their journeys of faith are as personal and authentic as those of any other believer.
Our teachings call us to love our neighbors unconditionally and to seek justice for the marginalized (Leviticus 19.18; Matthew 22.37-39; Romans 13.10; Surah An-Nisa 4.36). The Bible, for instance, emphasizes the inherent worth of every individual, created in the image of God (Genesis 1.26-27; Psalm 139.13-14; Matthew 10.29-31; Surah Al-Isra 17.70). This divine image transcends gender and calls us to affirm the full inclusion of transgender people in our religious traditions.
We must be vigilant against interpretations of religious freedom that serve to justify discrimination or exclusion. Policies and efforts like this executive order that single out specific groups under the guise of protecting religious beliefs, undermine the very freedoms they purport to defend.
In this spirit, we call upon our fellow faith leaders, policymakers, and community members to work with us to create inclusive spaces where all people, regardless of gender identity or expression, can worship, serve, and thrive. Our faiths encourage us to see and love the diversity of God’s creations.
By affirming the humanity and faith of transgender individuals, we not only honor their experiences but also enrich our communities and uphold the true essence of religious freedom.
Signed:
Rev. David Schwartz
Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder
Rev. Sean Neil-Barron
Foothills Unitarian Church
Rev. Andrew Daugherty
Pine Street Church
Pastor Nicole Lamarche
Community United Church of Christ
Rev. Eric Banner
First Universalist Church of Denver
Marissa Seuc-Hester
Christ the Servant Lutheran Church
Pastor Katie Chullino
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Pastor Ryan Howell
Crossroads Church
Pastor Andi Fox
United Church of Broomfield
Kathy Escobar
The Refuge
Chad Kohlmeyer
Atonement Lutheran Church
Pastor Jackie Hibbard
Community United Church of Christ
Minister Emeritus Roger Paine
The First Parish
Pastor Randy Spaulding
Boulder Mennonite Church
Rev. Melissa Douaire
Whole Person Conversations
Rev. Norman Jackson
Episcopal Diocese of Colorado
Pastor Michael Mather
First United Methodist Church
Pastor Stephanie Lord
Christ the Servant Lutheran Church
Pastor Pamela Challis
Trinity Lutheran Church
Rev. Karen Cox
Mennonite Church USA
Jeni Umble
Reverand
Pastor Dwight Scull
Living Light of Peace Church
Pastor Rebecca Scull
Living Light of Peace Church
Rev. Amelia Dress
Longmont United Church of Christ
Rev. Vernon Rempel
Mountain Community Mennonite Church
Pastor Teri Harroun
Light of Christ, Ecumenical Catholic Communion
Pastor Nicole Garcia
Epiphany Lutheran Church
Interim Pastor Ann Rosewall
First Mennonite Church of Denver
Pastor Jessica Gregory
Northminster Presbyterian Church
Pastor Betty Landis
Saint Stephen, ELCA