Trans Woman Claims Church Pastor Demanded Beard and Trousers for Baptism
A 74-year-old trans woman has come forward with allegations that a church pastor in Cambridgeshire told her she could only be baptised if she grew a beard and wore trousers. Joann Carver, an actor known for roles in TV dramas such as The Bill, Holby City, and Doctors, says the shocking remarks were made in June last year at the Lighthouse Church in Ely.
Ms. Carver expressed deep hurt and confusion over the incident, stating, "I was just completely baffled and very, very hurt. The long-lasting effects of it are all still with me." She joined the congregation after undergoing gender-affirming surgery in 2022 and initially felt welcomed by church leaders, but the situation reportedly changed when she requested baptism last year.
Church Responds with Denial and Biblical Stance
In response to the claims, a spokesperson for the Lighthouse Church said the institution does "not recognise the characterisation of the pastoral conversation" and asserted that leaders acted in good faith. The spokesperson added, "As a Christian community, we affirm the historic biblical teaching that sex is biological and a good gift from God."
Ms. Carver, however, described feeling ashamed and isolated after the encounter, saying, "Up to that point, I had felt quite safe going out in Ely, but I felt so ashamed after being treated like that I began to stay in a lot more." She lamented the loss of what she once considered an uplifting place, noting it was only welcoming if one conformed to what she called an "un-Christian attitude."
Allegations of Discrimination and Transphobia
The 74-year-old later left the church along with her partner, Hannah, alleging she had been subjected to discrimination and transphobia. Ms. Carver recounted, "They said I was sinning as a trans woman and because I was living in sin with my partner." She expressed shock, as the pastor had previously been friendly and non-rejecting of her identity.
During a follow-up meeting arranged after her partner inquired about expected changes, Ms. Carver claims she was told to attend church in trousers and grow a beard. After lodging a formal complaint, she received an apology from the pastor but alleges no further communication from the church.
Church's Commitment and Convictions
The church spokesperson emphasized their commitment to treating all people with love and respect, stating, "Lighthouse Church welcomes all people and is committed to treating everyone with love, dignity and respect as humans made in the image of God." They added that their beliefs are long-held and shape their approach to baptism and discipleship, aiming to promote God's best for people.
Ms. Carver, who had participated in the church's Alpha course and hoped for baptism in 2024, was the only participant not baptised. She reflected on the experience, saying, "This is a person that had previously been very friendly towards me and never seemed to reject me for being trans, so I was absolutely gobsmacked." The church continues to desire peace and reconciliation for all involved.
