Tuesday, February 25, 2014

I Want to be Called ‘Loretta’
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Let no one act surprised that The Rev. Greg Fry has publicly announced his transgenderosity to the Diocese of Arkansas:
The Rev. Greg Fry, priest-in-charge at Grace Episcopal Church in Pine Bluff, told his congregation Sunday morning that he is transgendered and identifies himself as a woman, apparently becoming the only working member of the Episcopalian clergy in Arkansas ever to make such an announcement.
Church members and officials at Grace Episcopal declined comment on Monday, while one member said church leaders in the vestry were scheduled to meet on Wednesday, after which they may be in a better position to discuss the matter.
Arkansas Bishop Larry Benfield urges calm:
The Rt. Rev. Larry Benfield, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Arkansas, said in a statement that he has met with the congregation’s vestry.
“I think that the congregation will spend time in the coming weeks asking questions and becoming knowledgeable about the issue,” Benfield said, “and I hope that thoughtful questioning will precede any decisions about Greg’s long-term ministry at Grace Church.”
The bishop’s response “is congruent with a resolution of the 2012 General Convention of the Episcopal Church stating that people have an equal place in the life, worship, and governance of the Episcopal Church regardless of their gender identity and expression,” the statement read.
Indeed they should not. Remember in 2009 when we posted about the video promoted by Episcopal Cafe to explain the disorder blessings of transgenderism?
Or in 2012 when we posted about the deacon/deaconess in California?
Or later in 2012 when we posted on Integrity’s magnum opus celebrating it all?
As for Benfield, his message to Arkansas Episcopalians is, in short, ‘suck it’:
Benfield said Fry is protected in his sexual status by an Episcopal Church canon that states: “No one shall be denied rights, status or access to an equal place in the life, worship and governance of this church because of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disabilities or age, except as otherwise specified” by church law.”
“There is not a church policy concerning transgender members of the clergy who announce their transgender status in a congregation,” the bishop said. “Each situation is addressed individually.”

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