Dear people of God in northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York State:
A few weeks ago, some of us attended the General Assembly of the Episcopal Church and at that meeting we reaffirmed that LGBTQIA+ people are beloved children of God who should be treated with dignity and respect.
While we were away, a brutal crime occurred near my hometown of Sharon, Pennsylvania, that underscores why we Christians must stand against the bigotry, hatred, and murderous violence directed against people who live in danger because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. Pauly A. Likens Jr., a child who identified as transgender, was killed and her scattered remains were found at the Shenango Reservoir in Mercer County. A suspect is in custody and has been charged with premeditated murder.
It is hard to overstate the horror of this situation. A young person who was spending her 15th birthday while missing was taken from us in the most brutal way imaginable. She is not the only transgender child of God murdered in our region or elsewhere simply for being who she was. I fear these types of incidents are in part due to extremist political rhetoric that advocates oppression and discrimination against some of the most vulnerable members of our society.
In my work as a pastor, I have met many transsexual disciples of Jesus whose witness to the Gospel has been deepened by their journey to an authentic life and to the people God has called them to be. In our church, transsexual believers hold all kinds of ministries. As lay people, priests and deacons, they make an essential contribution to their parishes, communities and dioceses. Transsexual people deserve not only the same civil rights and legal protections as any other person, but also the dignity and respect that we give to every child of God. More than that, they deserve a life of safety.
I ask you to pray for the repose of Pauly Likens’ soul, for Pauly’s family in their unimaginable grief, and for all transgender people who are terrified by this gruesome murder. Also pray for the person arrested for the crime whose life was destroyed by sin and fear. Most of all, I ask you to stand against transgender hatred in your community, your school, and wherever you encounter it, and to be a source of God’s love for the transgender people in your life.
Sincerely, Sean
Episcopal bishop of Sharon writes letter about murder of transsexual teenager
