Religion and Politics

Texas Pastors Vow to Protect Trans Youth, Despite Abbott’s Order

For Sojourners, Bekah McNeel reports that some Texas clergy members are speaking out after Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the state’s Department of Family and Protective Services to investigate cases of gender-affirming treatment for children. Abbott also labeled gender reassignment surgery and other gender-affirming care as “child abuse.” The Rev. Natalie Webb, the head pastor of University Baptist Church in Austin, said, “My commitment to the body of Christ and to the children who are created in God’s image is definitely more important than what the governor thinks.” As clergy, Webb and other pastors are required to report all cases of child abuse as defined by the state. Some, however, have pledged noncompliance with Abbott’s order.

Read at Sojourners

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