Urban Village Church
🏳️⚧️ Bold • Inclusive • Relevant 🏳️🌈
Why We Say
"God is Trans"
A message of radical love that goes beyond human labels
You might have seen Urban Village Church members waving fans in the Chicago Pride Parade that proclaimed “God is Trans”. What do we mean by that statement? We are not trying to be intentionally provocative to people who disagree with Trans Rights, nor are we teaching that God is in the journey of transitioning. Instead, we are proclaiming the radical inclusivity, grace, and love of God. Here is what we mean:
God is Bigger Than Our Labels
When we say "God is Trans," we mean God goes beyond all human categories, including gender. God is not limited by the boxes we create. Just like God has no single race, age, or nationality, God also goes beyond gender. The Bible shows us that God can be both motherly and fatherly, showing love like a parent that isn’t limited by gender or labels. This shows that divine love is bigger than any name or category we use.
God is Transcendent
God exists beyond time, gender, and human limits. Divine love is infinite and unlimited.
God is Immanent
God lives with all people, including our transgender family members and friends. God is especially present in the lives and experiences of people who are marginalized. While we look forward to the day when trans people are affirmed by the world, we know we are not there yet. God sends God’s people to spaces where people are hurting so that we can bring healing and hope. Throughout Scripture, God identifies with the marginalized and calls God's people to love and care for marginalized communities.
God’s Grace is Transforming
God creates incredible diversity in nature and people, showing divine creativity and love. Trans people have an understanding of God’s diversity that cisgender people do not. This is why trans voices are essential to the growth of the church. In the United Methodist tradition, we believe that God is journeying with us. In our faith walk, we are transformed by God’s grace. God is guiding us to be more loving, more kind, more justice-seeking, and more holy. This is called Sanctifying Grace. Trans people are courageously living into the transformation that God has called them into. Being trans is an expression of God’s grace.
“We are a United Methodist Church that was founded as fully welcoming more than a decade before our denomination officially voted for inclusion. Democrat or Republican, gay or straight, trans or cisgender—you belong here because God's love has no limits.”
What This Means for You
This means understanding how big and deep God's love really is. Whether you are curious about faith, coming back to church after being hurt, or looking for a group that values honesty, UVC is a place where your true self is welcomed and appreciated. God is a Spirit that is referred to by many names—whether that's Him, Her, They/Them, or other names like Creator, Divine Parent, or Source of Love. We believe divine love is greater than any one word can describe.
Your Journey Starts Here
You don't need to understand everything to belong here. Faith is a journey, not a destination. Whether you're exploring faith for the first time, have questions about God and identity, or are looking for a church home that truly welcomes everyone, we'd love to walk alongside you. Come as you are, with all your questions, hopes, and dreams.
