As the North Texas Annual Conference was coming to a close last week, I indicated that I would issue a letter expressing the concerns over recent hate crimes against members of the transgender community in Dallas. May we continue as followers of Christ and remember the words from our baptismal renewal to “resist evil, injustice and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves.”
The recent murders of Chynal Lindsey and Muhlaysia Booker, two black transgender women in Dallas, bring to three the number of such cases that have occurred in the city since October 2018. The apparent targeting of transgender people, while both deeply concerning and troubling, simply should not be happening.
Bishop Michael McKee
Bishop Michael McKee (North Texas Conference Photo)
A core tenet of The United Methodist Church’s Social Principles decries such actions and provides direction for us all: “We affirm all persons as equally valuable in the sight of God. We therefore work toward societies in which each person’s value is recognized, maintained, and strengthened,” Additionally, as United Methodists, we are called to “deplore acts of hate or violence based on … sexual orientation, gender identity or religious affiliation.” (¶ 162)
Such ongoing violence directed toward a specific group in a particular part of our community is despicable. Acknowledging the behavior as criminal activity, though, is not enough.
The victimization against the transgender community must end. Changes to existing state law must also occur; currently, there are no Texas statutes making discrimination against the transgender community illegal nor are there any provisions for gender identity in the state’s hate-crime laws.
Steps must be taken and collaborative partnerships must be formed to ensure the protection and safety for all, but especially for those in marginalized groups.
Please join me in prayerful support, continued dialogue and swift action to ensure that members of the transgender community indeed feel the love and protection of Jesus Christ and our United Methodist congregations that they so richly deserve.