Our true identity lies in our relationship with Christ

Lyndon Bowring, Executive Chairman of CARE, comments on the causes close to the heart of the Christian community

Many more young people are seeking ‘gender identity services’, an increase of over 1,400 per cent (boys) and 5,300 per cent (girls) over the last decade.

A publication by the UK’s leading think tank, The Policy Exchange, has produced a report, ‘Asleep at the Wheel’, which makes shocking reading. A quarter of secondary schools teach children that some people may be born in the wrong body; almost three-quarters that some have a gender identity different from their biological sex; and 40 per cent instruct teachers to ignore records of biological sex and relate to a child as whatever gender they identify for themselves. Younger children are also invited to consider their ‘real’ gender through books and discussions.

There are safeguarding risks. At a time of concern about sexual harassment among teenagers, one in four schools allow male pupils to use girls’ toilets. Only 28 per cent of secondary schools inform parents when a child discloses feelings of gender distress, letting them adopt a new gender at school.

It is possible and increasingly common to transition through drugs and surgery from male to female or the other way around. Recently, I read the heart-rending story of Chloe Cole in the US, who underwent treatment at twelve years of age and had both breasts removed at 15, leading to great suffering and mental anguish. Two years later, she ‘de-transitioned’ back to a woman and now understandably campaigns for legislation to ban puberty blockers, hormone therapy or surgery for under-18s.

Genesis tells us that as part of God’s good creation, humanity was made of two distinct sexes, as both are needed to reflect his image fully. To him, male and female are equally precious, gifted, sent out to accomplish his will, but different.

Today, the common understanding is that someone’s ‘inner self’ can be of a different gender than their biology indicates. They feel trapped in a body of the ‘wrong’ sex.

Sam Allberry, a respected Christian commentator on sex and gender issues, writes, “Our culture says: your psychology is your sexual identity – let your body be conformed to it. The Bible says: your body is your sexual identity – let your mind be conformed to it.”

It is important to grasp this truth and graciously share that our true identity lies in our relationship with Christ, who loves us, broken and sinful though we are.

In the midst of the argument, accusation and deep concern – especially for parents – I believe Jesus would ask us to listen compassionately to the stories of those facing these painful dilemmas and to pray for them.

CARE is monitoring both the political and social aspects of this issue. You can find information and prayer resources to help you at care.org.uk/cause/transgender.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.

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