In USA, Protestants condemn ban on trans-procedures in Catholic clinics

The annual conference of Catholic bishops of the USA. Photo: BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI/AFP via Getty Images

On November 14, in the USA, several liberal Protestant and Jewish denominations criticized the decision of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops to ban transgender procedures in Catholic medical institutions. This was reported by The Christian Post.

In a statement signed by representatives of the Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Church of Christ, the Unitarian Universalist Association, the Union for Reform Judaism, Quakers, and other religious groups, it is stated that transgender and non-binary people are "holy". "Let it be known that our beloved are created in the image of God – holy and whole," religious leaders declared, emphasizing the need to recognize the full spectrum of gender identity.

The authors of the statement emphasized that they consider opposition to transgenderism sinful and support for transgender people a religious calling. "We raise our voices in solidarity to unequivocally proclaim the holiness of transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people, as well as the recognition of the entire spectrum of gender identity and expression," the statement said.

The statement from the liberal religious leaders came in response to U.S. Catholic bishops effectively banning transgender procedures at Catholic hospitals by overwhelmingly approving revisions to the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, which govern the extensive network of Catholic healthcare facilities nationwide.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that the US Supreme Court refused to review the decision on the legalization of gay marriages.

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