Committee 8 Testimony

Deputy Tavolaro Diocese of Rhode Island

Earlier this evening, the House of Deputies adopted resolution D027 Mission Strategy: Five Marks of Mission. Within these five marks includes the following "to respond to human need by loving service" and "to seek to transform unjust structures of society." The adoption of resolution C001 would begin the church's work in fulfilling these five marks of mission. Transgender people are an incredibly vulnerable population within the Church and the society at large. Only 13 states and Washington D.C. include gender identity and gender expression in their civil non-discrimination policies. By including gender identity and expression in out church canon we will be witnessing not only to the Transgender population but also to the whole of society. We will begin to heal wounds of those we have excluded and we will be a church that welcomes all. This resolution does not ask The Episcopal Church to become experts on Transgender issues. This resolution asks the Church to include all God's children. I urge you to recommend to adopt C001. Thank you.