“For the love of God is broader than the measures of the mind; and the heart of the Eternal is most wonderfully kind.”
– Frederick William Faber (1814-1863), ‘There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy’
November 20th is Transgender Day of Remembrance. On the Sunday following this year’s day of commemoration, Paul Boateng preached at Hinde Street about how to mistreat the marginalised is to abandon the gospel of love.
We began the service with Deacon Ruth leading as we reflected on the ways in which we have celebrated diversity in the last week, and as we shared things that we are grateful for.
As we commemorated the Transgender Day of Remembrance, we also marked the Women Against Violence Sunday. With this in mind, we reflected on how violence against transgender people intersects with violence against women in the larger picture of gender-based discrimination and persecution. In the face of rising levels of violence against trans women and trans women of colour in particular, we lit a candle in remembrance of those who have passed away as a result of anti-trans hatred.
In the following moment of silence, we reflected on the 35o transgender individuals who have been murdered globally this past year alone. Below, you can find the a list containing the names of these individuals in a slideshow compiled by Deacon Ruth. We encourage you to take a moment to commemorate these lives that have been lost. Hinde Street will continue to hold these names in our thoughts not only this day but every day.
Following our Bible readings, we heard from Paul Boateng who reminded us that it was the shepherds, the outcasts, the marginalised who first came to Jesus, and that our King is first and foremost the King of love. Paul also reminded us of how it is not only through action but also inaction that violence occurs – in this vein, he encouraged us to engage in more small, practical acts of service to the marginalised as these small acts can form a powerful collective. It is only through loving all our neighbours and supporting them with our actions that we can form a Christian faith is not Christian in name only.
Thanks to all those who attended this service and took part in this day of remembrance with us. If you missed this service, you can now listen to the sermon by clicking here (no account required). You can also read more about violence against transgender people here.