In the Image of God: a queer Christian response to the UK Supreme Court ruling on Sex and Gender Identity
In the Image of God: a queer Christian response to the UK Supreme Court ruling on Sex and Gender Identity
Charlie Lord
For it was you who formed my inward parts;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Psalm 139.13-14
On April 16, 2025, the UK Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgment, made without permitting interventions by any people with lived experience, ruling that the terms “woman,” “man,” and “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 refer exclusively to biological sex assigned at birth. This decision goes against the provisions of the Gender Recognition Act and is likely to have profound implications for trans, non-binary and intersex people, as it will mean that under particular circumstances they can be excluded from certain sex-based protections and spaces.
Some however, including it seems the Equality & Human Rights Commission and Government Ministers, are interpreting this ruling as meaning that under all circumstances trans folk must now be excluded from those protections and spaces, even if they possess a Gender Recognition Certificate.
As a queer and non-binary Christian, my reaction to the ruling, like that of many others, was one of incredulity and immense sadness. It feels like a huge step backward in British society’s ongoing journey toward inclusivity and recognition of the diverse ways in which God's image is reflected in humanity.
The Bible is scattered with scripture that demonstrates God’s hand in our creation as people, not least Psalm 139’s profound statement that God formed us into the fearfully and wonderfully made folk that we are. In Genesis 1:27, scripture tells us that humankind was created in God's own image, affirming the inherent dignity and worth of every person, regardless of gender identity. The diversity of human experience, including the experiences of trans individuals, is a testament to the boundless innovation of our Creator.
And in the New Testament, Jesus' ministry was marked by radical inclusivity. He reached out to those marginalised by society, breaking down barriers and extending grace to all. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate this example, embracing those who have been pushed to the peripheries.
Of course, we know that discussions around sex and gender are complex and multifaceted. Some women, for example, express concerns about the implications of expanding legal definitions of gender on their hard-won rights.
However, it's crucial to recognise that the rights of one group should not come at the expense of another. The pursuit of justice is not a zero-sum game. We must strive for solutions that uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals, fostering a society where everyone can thrive. Regrettably, the rights of trans people have been thrust into the centre of a highly politicised culture war with significant ramifications in all aspects of life.
Church communities have also been drawn into that culture war, not just following the usual split between those who affirm queer people and those who don’t. I have personally witnessed extreme transphobia in a worship community which would otherwise describe itself as welcoming to all.
This fills me with great sorrow as our churches should be places which are called to be a sanctuary for all, where every person can encounter the love of God without fear of rejection. The Supreme Court ruling presents a challenge to that calling, as it may embolden exclusionary practices that marginalise trans people.
As queer Christians, I hope we can resist the temptation to conform to societal norms that devalue certain groups. Instead, we should lead by example, creating communities that celebrate diversity and affirm the worth of every person.
You might be wondering what you can do to support trans folk during these troubling times. Here are a few ideas:
- Educate yourself: Seek out resources and testimonies from trans people to better understand their experiences.
- Advocate for inclusivity: Support policies and practices within the Church and broader society that affirm the rights and dignity of trans people.
- Engage in dialogue: Foster open and respectful conversations about sex and gender, acknowledging the complexities and striving for mutual understanding.
- Offer support: Stand in solidarity with trans people, offering compassion, friendship, and advocacy.
One very practical thing you might choose to do right now is to add your name to an open letter to MPs being signed by clergy and other church members showing your support for trans people: https://forms.gle/4NBnjYpmqVhoo52v8
The UK Supreme Court's ruling is a sobering reminder of the work that remains in the pursuit of justice and inclusivity. As queer Christians, we are uniquely positioned to bridge divides, offering a vision of faith that reflects the radical love and inclusivity of Christ.
I hope you’ll join me in ensuring that our communities are places where all individuals, regardless of gender identity, can experience the transformative love of God.
Charlie Lord OBE (they/them) is a trustee of OneBodyOneFaith and a Churchwarden and Lay Vice Chair of St Lawrence Jewry in the City of London. They also worship at Southwark Cathedral, St Mary Magdalene Munster Square, and St John Waterloo’s Open Table service. Charlie is a former board member of the Albert Kennedy Trust, LGBT Foundation, and the Pride Trust and served as the Local Government Association’s national lead member of equality and social inclusion.
