Maine Council of Churches commends Kittery transgender policy

from Seacoastonline, letters to  the editor, Posted Jun 6, 2018 at 6:25 PM

June 6 — To the Editor:

The seven member-denominations, along with the associate members and cooperating bodies of the Maine Council of Churches (representing 434 congregations and over 50,000 members) are rooted in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures. We find woven throughout those sacred texts two clear messages: (1) love your neighbor as yourself; and (2) do not be afraid. As people of faith and good conscience living out those commandments, we agree with the resident who said, as the Kittery School Committee considered a transgender policy proposal on June 5, “There is no place for hate in Kittery.” And we commend the School Committee for its unanimous vote to support transgender and gender expansive students. Often among the most vulnerable of our children, LGBTQ youth face a higher risk of suicide, depression and homelessness. A policy that aims to keep them safe and in school is a key element in reducing those risks.

Though some Christians were vocal in their opposition to the School Committee policy (see June 5 Portsmouth Herald article, “Kittery schools adopt transgender policy”), it is important for Kittery’s students, families and schools to know that not all Christians share that attitude. In fact, there are tens of thousands of faithful Mainers who stand with the people of Kittery in seeking to build a culture of compassion, justice, dignity and peace for all.

Rev. Jane Field