At Broad Street, we believe in the radical love of God made known through Jesus Christ—a love that tears down walls and brings people together in dignity and belonging.
In Galatians 3:27–29, Paul writes:
“As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free,
there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”
It’s a bold declaration. A revolutionary one. In Christ, we are not defined or divided by the categories society often clings to. We are made one. We are made whole.
On Trans Day of Visibility, we pause to affirm this promise: People who are transgender and gender diverse are beloved and made by God.
We know this because we know God, the One who formed each person in the womb and called them good. The God who rejoices when we live truthfully and loves us into fuller life.
At Broad Street, our faith calls us to live out this truth not only in words, but in how we welcome, accompany, and affirm all people. That’s why we hold fast to our Statement of Inclusion, originally approved by the Session in 2000 and reaffirmed by our Session in 2022:
In celebration of the God-given diversity of creation, and the unconditional welcome extended to friend and stranger alike by our Lord Jesus Christ, the Broad Street Presbyterian Church welcomes into its fellowship all who desire to be a part of this community of faith.
Each of us comes to God in the same way, unconditionally loved and accepted. Such is the nature of God’s grace.
Therefore, all are invited to the celebrations, and ministries of Broad Street Presbyterian Church. These include participation in all services of worship and the availability of pastoral care, as well as opportunities for fellowship, education and service.
As a church, we are committed to living together in such a way that we give witness to Christ’s sacrificial life, saving death and glorious resurrection, by extending to all people the kind of hospitality exemplified in Jesus Christ our Lord.
This is more than a statement, it’s a commitment.
So what is our role as people of faith? It’s not to question or critique. It’s not to say, “But what if it’s just a phase?” or “Aren’t they too young?” Those are not our questions to ask.
Our role is simple and sacred: to believe people when they tell us who they are. To honor the name and pronouns they share. To trust that they know themselves best—because they do.
And when we make a mistake? When we slip up or say the wrong thing? We apologize. We try again. We keep showing up.
So on this Trans Day of Visibility, let us be the kind of church where everyone can be visible, known, and cherished as beloved children of God.
Amen.
Resources for Further Learning and Support
- Trans Lifeline – A peer support and crisis hotline staffed by trans people for trans people. | www.translifeline.org | 877-565-8860
- The Trevor Project – Crisis support and resources for LGBTQ+ youth. | www.thetrevorproject.org
- GLAAD – Media and advocacy organization promoting understanding and acceptance. | www.glaad.org/transgender
- More Light Presbyterians – An organization advocating for full inclusion of LGBTQIA+ people in the life, ministry, and witness of the PC(USA). |
www.mlp.org
