This is the first question asked of a PC(USA) congregation when a child is baptized:
"Do you, as members of the church of Jesus Christ, promise to guide and nurture this child by word and deed, with love and prayer?"
As members of Christ’s body—and as parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and all who care deeply for the children of this broken world—we grieve rulings like the recent decision by the Supreme Court of the United States that uphold laws putting vulnerable children at greater risk.
Research has shown that when a transgender young person has even one adult in their life who affirms their identity, the risk of death by suicide is reduced by 40%. Laws that block access to gender-affirming care for youth threaten their health and well-being. These are not abstract issues—they impact the very children we have vowed to guide and nurture with love and prayer.
As parents, grandparents, pastors, youth leaders, Sunday school teachers, educators, coaches, and compassionate adults, we must raise our voices against these harmful laws. If we remain silent, we fail to honor the sacred vows we take when we baptize our infants, children, and youth.
The Advocacy Committee for Women and Gender Justice invites each of you to hold in prayer every child and youth across this country who is being denied the care they need. Pray that they may have at least one adult who affirms their identity and walks beside them as a witness to God’s love—a love that declares they are created in God’s image, redeemed by Jesus Christ, and sustained by the Holy Spirit. Pray for the courage to righteously dissent against policymakers who opt to drive fear and discord amongst thriving communities of faith.
As parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and fellow disciples, we stand in solidarity with transgender youth—both near and far—affirming their dignity, their worth, and their belovedness in the eyes of God.
