Methodist pastor reveals transgender journey in powerful sermon
US Methodist pastor announces transition into woman during sermon - 'giving up pretending to be a man'
The pastor reported that the transition is fully supported by the church and the bishop, who was consulted before the public announcement.
2025-12-03T14:39:08+00:00
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Phillippa, a pastor at North Chili United Methodist Church, has publicly announced she is transgender. She shared the news during a recent sermon, telling her congregation she was no longer pretending to be a man. The church and its bishop have fully supported her decision after private discussions.
Her pastoral duties will continue unchanged, and the local community has responded with warmth and acceptance.
Phillippa revealed her transition in a sermon, explaining, 'I'm not becoming a woman, I'm giving up pretending to be a man.' She also identified as asexual, describing little to no sexual attraction to others. For the past three months, she has been undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
The United Methodist Church (UMC) has gradually updated its policies to affirm LGBTQ+ identities and human sexuality. Before her announcement, Phillippa consulted the bishop, who offered full support. Despite her parents not backing her decision, the wider community has embraced her with encouragement.
Addressing her congregation, she reassured them, 'What will stay the same is my deepening love for all of you.'
Phillippa will keep her role at North Chili United Methodist Church without interruption. The church’s leadership and local community have welcomed her transition openly. Her announcement marks a step in the UMC’s ongoing shift toward greater inclusion of LGBTQ+ members.
