Christians Divided Over Trump Trans Bathroom Announcement

Christian leaders have been reacting to President Trump's attempt to rescind Obama-era guidance aimed at allowing transgender school students to use their bathroom of choice.

There had been speculation Trump would overturn the guidance, issued by President Obama in 2016.

The decision is highly controversial with campaigners on both sides reacting vociferously.

Dr Russell Moore, president of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and one of the country's most influential evangelical voices, has released a statement in support of Trump's decision. 'I'm very glad to see the Trump Administration revoke these guidelines This move is good for parents and good for families,' it said. 'Children are not pawns of the state to be used to advance the latest fashionable "right side of history" cause. Christians must continue to insist that the worldview of the sexual revolution harms men and women and advocate for the inherent dignity of all.'

Moore's support is significant, because he has been an outspoken critic of Trump in many areas.

Christian voices are not united in their response, though. In a series of tweets, high profile Jesuit priest James Martin reacted in opposition to Trump's pronouncement. '‪#Trans‪ students endure so many indignities already. They should be able to use whatever bathrooms they choose. Its doesn't hurt anybody,' he wrote. The editor at large of America magazine continued, 'For Jesus, there is no "other." There is no "them." There is only "us." So we must be about openness, acceptance and inclusion. ‪#trans'

The move won't have any immediate effect because of legal challenges which are currently in process.

News
Nigerian faith leaders call for interfaith reconciliation to end violence
Nigerian faith leaders call for interfaith reconciliation to end violence

Nigeria is the deadliest country in the world for Christians.

Businessman and peer Lord Edmiston reflects on faith, stewardship and global mission
Businessman and peer Lord Edmiston reflects on faith, stewardship and global mission

The successful businessman and peer said he was driven by evangelism, not the creation of wealth for its own sake.

Greek Orthodox Church in Britain baptises 250 people
Greek Orthodox Church in Britain baptises 250 people

The church said that many of those baptised had been guided into the faith through its Discover Orthodoxy programme.

Kemi Badenoch pledges to restore historic church funding scheme
Kemi Badenoch pledges to restore historic church funding scheme

The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme was formally closed at the end of March but ran out of money before that after its budget was cut.