A new Vatican document that rejects the basic idea of changing one’s natural sex sparked a wave of disappointment among transgender Catholics and a priest who welcomes them to his parish on Monday.
In fact, it was a rehash of well-established Catholic teaching, but the shock was made even more palpable by Pope Francis’ recent actions, which had prompted some trans Christians to hope the religion might become more accepting.
The bishop has introduced a trans women’s society to his weekly general audience. And last year, the Vatican said it’s acceptable, under specific circumstances, for transgender people to become baptized as Catholics and serve as relatives.
A record like this is very terrible to the LGBTQ+ community as a whole, but particularly the trans community, according to Maxwell Kuzma, a longtime Catholic transgender man employed as a writer and editor in rural Ohio.
“We have seen the care and love Pope Francis has physically extended to the transgender community in his private relations, but this report fails to extend that same respect, love, and help,” Kuzma said via email.
The new report always uses the word “transgender,” which troubled Michal Sennet, a trans person who is involved with an LGBTQ+ government at St. Ignatius of Loyola Church in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.
Sennet wrote in an email that “avoiding the phrase ‘transgender’ would mean limiting the dignity of transgender people.” If the church is unable to name us or acknowledge our true selves, they can’t possibly engage us pastorally, even if that is the goal.
He likewise was offended by the article’s warning that God created man and girl as distinct, biological people and that one cannot stick with that or attempt to “make oneself God.”
According to Sennet, “trans people are cherished, purposeful creations of God in the same way that transgender men and women are.” Trans individuals who undergo surgery or have hormones are not playing God; instead, they are honoring and accepting who they are.
“Time and time again analyses have validated the adverse effects on transgender people, children, and parents, who are denied affirming care,” Sennet added. Switching is a lifeline, not a health plan intended to attract people.
Christine Zuba, a trans woman from New Jersey, was shocked to learn that the 20-page Vatican theory company’s declaration of gender-affirming surgery was a “grave violation of human dignity,” on par with world maladies like war and people prostitution.
In an message, Zuba wrote that trans people are being unfairly treated for who they are and that, in addition, they could suffer harm. “It again (sadly) gives fuel to those who continue to deny our existence.”
“We exist, but we do not. We have integrity, but we do not. What will the political and religious straight think of this, in my opinion?
As for Pope Francis, Zuba praised him as “a good and holy man”.
“Our religion but also has a LOT to learn,” she added. “We are Not an Philosophy. Speak to us. Study”.
The Catholic Church in the U.S. is not unified on transgender plans. Some provinces have put forth strict rules in consequence forbidding appreciation of gender transitions. But some churches have welcomed transgender citizens, including the Church of Our Lady of Grace in Hoboken, New Jersey. Its pastor, the Rev. Zuba was invited by Alexander Santora to speak a portion of the lecture at the organization’s annual Pride Mass a few years ago.
Santora told The Associated Press that the new Vatican report, including its claim that homosexuality should not be a criminal offense, gave him encouragement.
However, he expressed concern that the voice of this document may make trans people less safe and foster the love that is persecuting in the United States, with more oppressive laws that may lead to suicides and violence, in the email. “I hope the Vatican summons some devoted trans Catholics from around the globe to analyze this document and make it more pastoral,” said one of the letter.
Kuzma, the Ohio-based video writer and author, said his despair over the Vatican record was coupled with continuing optimism.
“We have a light on us right now, but we have been around for a long time and have frequently been given special jobs in nations that recognized our individual talents,” he said.
“The Catholic Church moves quietly, but my hope is that the Vatican will certainly realize the beautiful and significant gifts transgender people have to give the church and the world,” he said.
Through the AP’s partnership with The Conversation US, funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., Associated Press church coverage is supported. The AP is in total control of this information.
