Churches are urged to welcome transgender members

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Episcopal Church's first openly gay bishop says, now that more faith groups are accepting same-sex marriage, the next step is to reach out to transgender individuals.

Former New Hampshire Bishop Gene Robinson says his message to American clergy is, "Transgender people are coming to a theater very near you, maybe just around your corner, and you best get ready."

He appeared at a Washington forum with the Rev. Allyson Robinson — no relation — a transgender Baptist pastor who used to pastor churches as a man.

Both Robinsons said being transgender should be accepted as God's gift rather than something that's broken or sinful.

Gene Robinson said Jesus crossed cultural boundaries in his ministry and churches should be prepared to do the same.

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The Gayly - 1/20/2016 @ 2:46 p.m. CST