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Pastoral Liturgies for Journeys of Gender Affirmation and Transition

Pastoral Liturgies for Journeys of Gender Affirmation and Transition provides prayers and worship resources to support transgender and gender non-binary members of the Anglican Church of Canada. These liturgies are designed for individuals beginning, in process or completing a gender transition or for those with a newly articulated gender identity. They can be used in worshipping communities to affirm a person’s identity, offer pastoral care, and celebrate their life and gifts within the body of Christ.

The resources include blessing rites, prayers, suggested scripture readings, hymnody and guidance for clergy, lay leaders and parish communities on how to offer supportive and inclusive worship. Flexible rubrics allow adaptation to local pastoral needs while ensuring safety and support for all participants.

These liturgies were authorized by General Synod 2023 and are supplemental to the Book of Alternative Services, reflecting our ongoing commitment to the dignity, affirmation and inclusion of transgender and gender non-binary people.

Suggested uses

  • Blessing or affirmation rites for transgender and gender non-binary parishioners
  • Integration of liturgies into regular Anglican worship services
  • Pastoral preparation and spiritual accompaniment of candidates
  • Guidance for parishes on inclusive liturgical and pastoral practices

Key themes

  • Affirming transgender and gender non-binary members in worship
  • Supporting individuals through pastoral care and prayer
  • Grounding rites in baptismal theology
  • Flexible liturgies adaptable to local parish needs
  • Encouraging participation of the whole community

Best suited for: clergy, lay leaders, parish councils, diocesan educators and anyone supporting transgender and gender non-binary members in the Anglican Church of Canada.

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.