5 Christian Reactions to Church of England's Controversial Transgender Affirming Vote

By Stoyan Zaimov, Christian Post Reporter

4. Nathanael Hayler

A rainbow flag flies with the Union flag above British Cabinet Offices, marking the first day Britain has allowed same sex marriages, in London March 29, 2014. Prime Minister David Cameron hailed Britain's first gay marriages on Saturday, saying marriage was not something that should be denied to anyone because of their sexuality. Campaigners have spent years battling to end a distinction that many gay couples say made them feel like second class citizens and Saturday was the first day that gay couples could tie the knot in England and Wales.
A rainbow flag flies with the Union flag above British Cabinet Offices, marking the first day Britain has allowed same sex marriages, in London March 29, 2014. Prime Minister David Cameron hailed Britain's first gay marriages on Saturday, saying marriage was not something that should be denied to anyone because of their sexuality. Campaigners have spent years battling to end a distinction that many gay couples say made them feel like second class citizens and Saturday was the first day that gay couples could tie the knot in England and Wales. | (Photo: Reuters/Neil Hall)

Nathanael Hayler, an 18-year-old Christian who identifies as transgender, said in an article for BBC News that the CofE's vote is a "massive step forward."

"For me, it is a recognition of the existence of transgender people in congregations and of the issues we face like gender dysphoria," said Hayler, who studies theology, ministry and mission at the University of Durham.

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"But it's more than that — it gives clergy a way to formally welcome trans members into their parishes, instead of them being left stumbling in the dark, not knowing what is and isn't allowed," Hayler continued.

"I think it's a massive step forward, and this message of welcome needs to be shared not just in church circles."

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