Trans-Gender: Theology Ministry and Communities of Faith

Rev. Dr. Justin Tanis is a creative queer theologian and activist with a wealth of pastoral experience. His classic Transgender--Theology Ministry and Communities of Faith is now available again for faith communities and university students struggling to include trans-people. It is a primer for understanding the spiritual journeys of transgendered people examining the biblical support for inclusion and provides faith communities guidelines for hospitality. His notion of gender as a calling is a creative theological proposal for all of us to recognize our own gender calling and the diverse callings of the marginalized. Tanis imaginatively uses the image of twilight space of dawn and dusk in-between space occupied by trans-people. His theology impacted my own commitment to transgendered rights and inclusion. At this time of conservative religious targeting the advances of trans-gendered people we need the prophetic theological voice of Justin Tanis compassionate inclusion. --Rev. Dr. Robert E. Shore-Goss Queer Theologian and author of Jesus Acted Up Justin gives tremendous insight into life at the intersection of gender identity and faith. As a transgender Latina religious leader and psychotherapist I have referenced Justins book in workshops and discussion groups to help allies and advocates of the transgender community to understand and promote acceptance of the transgender community. Justins book is a must-read for clergy who want to integrate transgender community members in to their congregations. --Nicole M. Garcia MDiv MA LPC Transgender: Theology Ministry and Communities of Faith remains a trailblazing work in the exploration of transgender identities gender variance and Scripture and responses of exclusion and inclusion conveyed by communities of faith. Dr. Tanis wide-ranging research and candid conversations about transgender persons seeking faithful spiritual identity provides a helpful framework for transgender people; and for families friends and communities who want to support us. Outlining explicit and implicit barriers to participation Tanis challenges faith communities to offer genuine hospitality and welcome to transgender and gender non-conforming people offering several ways to extend such welcome including liturgical resources created specifically for the transgender community. This text continues to be a valuable resource for my parish ministry pastoral care professional writing and personal reflection. I am grateful to see it back in print. --Rev. Dr. David Weekley Justin Tanis earned his PhD from the Graduate Theological Union in Interdisciplinary Studies a Master of Divinity degree at Harvard University and a Doctor of Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary. As a pastor he served congregations in Boston Honolulu and San Francisco and was Director of Leadership Development for Metropolitan Community Churches; he is now affiliated with the United Church of Christ. He works at the Center for LGBTQ and Gender Studies in Religion and previously directed communication work for the Hawaii Equal Rights Marriage Project National Center for Transgender Equality and Out & Equal Workplace Advocates. In addition to Transgender: Ministry Theology and Communities of Faith which was a finalist for a Lambda Literary Award he is a contributor to the forthcoming Understanding Transgender Identity (Baker Academic Press). He has also contributed chapters to the Queer Bible Commentary and Take Back the Word: A Queer Reading of the Bible.