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Transgender Woman Denied Church Baptism Over Identity
10 Apr
Summary
- A 73-year-old transgender woman was refused baptism by her church.
- The church claimed she needed to wear trousers and grow a beard.
- She found a new church and was baptized on October 26, 2025.
A 73-year-old transgender woman has shared her distressing experience of being denied baptism by the Lighthouse Church in Ely, Cambridgeshire. Joann Carver, who had been a member for over two years, was told in June 2025 that she could not be baptized with other participants.
Her partner, Hannah Davis, reported that a pastor later suggested Ms. Carver would have to wear trousers and grow a beard for the baptism. Ms. Carver stated the pastor expressed concern about her relationship with Ms. Davis, deeming it 'living in sin.' The church's spokesperson stated they affirm biblical teaching on biological sex and did not recognize the description of the pastoral conversation, asserting leaders acted in good faith.
Following the refusal, Ms. Carver and Ms. Davis joined the Renew Inclusive Church in Cambridge. Ms. Carver found a new spiritual home and was successfully baptized on October 26, 2025, describing the experience as 'fabulous.' She recounted feeling welcomed for two years before the sudden rejection, which caused her significant emotional distress.
