If you just looked out the window to see if pigs are soaring across
the clouds, you're not alone. The North American Old Catholic Church, a congregation that combines Catholic teachings with progressive values, is set to ordain a transgender priest in Minnesota.
GLAAD shares the press release detailing the ordination of Shannon T.L. Kearns:
The North American Old Catholic Church,
one of the largest Old Catholic bodies in the United States, will ordain
Shannon T.L. Kearns to the priesthood on January 19, 2013.
Kearns, who
is a transgender man, will be tasked with starting a new Minneapolis
parish, House of the Transfiguration, after his ordination. This will be
a pioneering parish in Minnesota; one that combines the traditions of
the church with progressive perspectives and embraces all people.
The ordination will take place at 3 pm at
Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave. Minneapolis. Bishop
Benjamin Evans of the diocese of New Jersey will preside.
He says, "The
North American Old Catholic Church looks forward to establishing a
presence in Minneapolis with the ordination of Father Kearns. God's
Holy Spirit continues to bless us with growth!"
The North American Old
Catholic Church is a progressive Catholic tradition that welcomes all
people.
This church ordains women, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and
transgender people, married and partnered people, and those who have
been divorced.
The North American Old Catholic Church focuses on social
justice and developing new parishes.
Kearns has a Master of Divinity from Union
Theological Seminary in the City of New York. While in seminary he
transitioned from female to male.
Kearns says, “I am honored and humbled
to have my calling to ministry affirmed by the North American Old
Catholic Church. I look forward to many years serving as a priest.”