If a transgender individual gets saved, should the church require them to undergo a restorative sex change operation so that they are anatomically their original gender?
Eventually, every church will face a question like this. The
first thing we must remember is that the gospel is for everyone-regardless
of gender identity. The gospel is for the transgender and the
transsexual just as much as it is for the one who identifies with his birth gender. The gospel promises wholeness in
Christ and calls us to holiness.
Thus, in response to the gospel, all true
Christians seek to live in obedience to the God who created us male and
female. Obedience to Christ means that we seek in every way to
progressively move toward embracing our birth gender rather than lingering
in rebellion or confusion. This is not to suggest that the
progress of sanctification is easy or
instantaneous. As Eugene Peterson
said, the Christian life is "a long obedience
in the same direction." In other
words, obedience can be slow progress. What if the individual had undergone
medical procedures and sex change operations before coming to
Christ? Would surgery now be pastorally required or advisable in
order to obey Christ?
This situation requires the loving council of a local
church to help this particular Christian understand what "long
obedience" in this circumstance would involve.
Pastors and congregations
should consider age, context, and even physical and physiological
factors when determining a course of action. But even without surgery,
Christians in this situation should publicly and privately identify
themselves according to their birth gender. Surgery is a secondary question to be
handled with pastoral wisdom and sound medical advice.
