Clergy from 16 different faith communities in Andover and North Andover signed off on a statement Tuesday supporting and celebrating transgender and non-binary people.
“Our community cannot be whole without you,” the letter, which is published in its entirety below, said. “Your presence deepens our capacity for compassion, wisdom, and justice.”
Since taking office last month, President Donald Trump has signed executive orders limiting or eliminating transgender protections in several areas of American life. They include restrictions on gender-affirming care for minors, a ban on transgender military workers and rules barring transgender women from playing women’s sports.
The letter did not mention President Trump directly.
“We denounce violence in all its forms – physical, rhetorical, or legislative,” the clergy said. “Such violence contradicts our deepest religious values of dignity, mutual care, and love. There can be no exceptions or caveats that would justify cultivating hatred or distrust toward our neighbors.”
Complete Text of Letter From Local Clergy
As leaders of diverse faith communities, we unite in affirming this fundamental truth: transgender and non-binary folk are beloved by God. No earthly power can separate you from love. You were created with divine purpose and intention: your gender identity and expression are sacred gifts to you and to our world.
Our community cannot be whole without you. Your presence deepens our capacity for compassion, wisdom, and justice.
We denounce violence in all its forms – physical, rhetorical, or legislative. Such violence contradicts our deepest religious values of dignity, mutual care, and love. There can be no exceptions or caveats that would justify cultivating hatred or distrust toward our neighbors. Prejudice and discrimination have no place in our sacred spaces or wider society. Transgender and non-binary people deserve to build lives filled with joy, purpose, and the freedom to thrive.
We witness the particular courage of transgender and non-binary youth, who show tremendous wisdom and authenticity in understanding and expressing their true selves. They deserve our unwavering support, protection, and celebration.
To our transgender and non-binary siblings: we offer you our steadfast encouragement, support, and love. We commit to standing beside you in times of challenge and celebration. We will raise our voices against those who would threaten your dignity and worth. We honor your courage, your faith, and your truth. The world needs you exactly as you are – your authentic self is a blessing to us all.
We pledge to:
- – Make our houses of worship welcoming and affirming spaces
- Speak out against anti-transgender legislation and rhetoric
- Support access to gender-affirming care as a matter of religious freedom and human dignity
- Celebrate the gifts and leadership of transgender and non-binary people in our communities
- Listen to and learn from transgender and non-binary voices
- Work toward a world where every person can live freely and safely in their true identity
Signed,
- The Reverend Dana Allen Walsh, South Church in Andover
- The Reverend Genevieve Hosterman, South Church in Andover
- Rabbi David Wilfond, Temple Emanuel, Andover
- The Reverend Jeanette D. Leisk, Faith Lutheran Church, Andover
- The Reverend Michael J. Hodges, Christ Church, Andover
- The Reverend Renee E. Manning, West Parish Church, Andover
- The Reverend Lee Bluemel, North Parish of North Andover, Unitarian Universalist
- The Reverend Katrina Wuensch, West Parish Church, Andover
- The Reverend Patricia R. Mitchell, Ballard Vale United Church, Andover
- The Reverend Gina M. Finocchiaro
- The Reverend Eleanor Prior, St. Paul’s, North Andover
- Rev. Michael Reed, Rolling Ridge Retreat & Conference Center
- Rabbi Howard Mandell
- Rev. Mack Hagins, First United Methodist Church, N. Andover
- The Reverend Dr. Terri Ofori, North Andover
- The Reverend Dr. Lawrence G. Jay, Rolling Ridge Retreat andConference Center