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Yehiel Curry, presiding bishop of the ELCA, has issued a pastoral message for International Transgender Day of Visibility, March 31. The day marks “a time dedicated to celebrating the lives, gifts and contributions of transgender people, while also recognizing their ongoing struggle for safety, dignity and justice,” the message said, in part.
“In the ELCA social statement Faith, Sexism and Justice: A Call to Action, we affirm our belief that ‘God’s intention revealed through the Scriptures is that all people have life abundantly and flourish,'” Curry said. “Today reminds us of our call to love, affirm and support one another — not just today, but every day as an expression of our faith.”
Curry continued: “In 2026, more than 700 anti-trans bills have been introduced across the country. The proposed legislation attempts to block transgender people from receiving basic rights such as health care, education, legal recognition and even the simple right to exist openly. Such laws cause harm to our transgender siblings.
“In our congregational life, harm can take shape through patterns of teaching, language and policy, as well as through silences that quietly communicate rejection—even when no harm is intended. At times like these, we are reminded that we are one body in Christ — if one part suffers, we all suffer.”
Curry invited people of faith to pray with and for transgender siblings, that all might be able to live life abundant; to advocate for policies that protect human dignity and oppose discrimination; and to act by learning, showing up and standing in solidarity.
He encouraged readers to review resources such as Faith, Sexism, and Justice: A Call to Action, ELCA social messages on “Gender-based Violence” and “Human Rights,” and Reconciling Works and other LGBTQIA+ affirming ministry partners.
