Jen Vincent, Campus Carrier staff writer

Reverends Kimble Sorrels (07C) and Andi Woodworth discussed their experiences as transgender clergy at a Cultural Events (CE) credit sponsored by the Department of Sociology and Anthropology on Monday. Rev.  Sorrells and Rev. Woodworth discussed religious identity, the politics of sexuality and how transgender identity has affected their faith.

Dale McConkey, associate professor of sociology, invited both Rev. Woodworth and Rev. Sorrells to speak at Berry. 

“The issue of Christianity and sexuality is a very important topic at the moment,” McConkey said. “Many denominations had a schism in the United States over this topic of same-sex marriages and LGBTQIA+ individuals. I thought it would be important for people to hear the experiences of someone who is living through this, rather than talking about the abstract.”

McConkey used to be Berry’s chaplain before turning to teaching in the classroom. Now he works as a pastor part-time in the United Methodist Church. McConkey also wrote a book called “United Methodist Divided,” which explains the details of the church’s divide. Some United Methodist Churches are moving on a politically progressive path, while others are deciding to remain more traditional. 

With how polarized these issues are becoming, McConkey said that students should remember to have respectful discussions.

“I do hope students from a variety of perspectives come out and just respectfully listen to their stories,” McConkey said. “A person can agree or disagree, but there is always value in learning and understanding from others.”

Rev. Woodworth discussed how she and her partner created Neighborhood Church during debate within the United Methodist Church on recognition of LGTBQIA+ rights. 

“When we got to a place where we were asked to come to Atlanta to start a new church, our visioning was to think about what a church would be like after all the battles are concluded,” Rev. Woodworth said. “What would that church be like? And why don’t we just go ahead and do that.” 

Rev. Woodworth discussed how religion and LGBTQIA+ rights often seem to be in tension. She said she wanted to start a church that was open to all people. McConkey said that Rev. Woodworth’s point of view may have been new for many students. 

“The oppositional point of view has been the norm for decades and centuries,” McConkey said. “Probably most of us are familiar with the objections to this, so just to hear people explain their lives in a way that will humanize the issue I think will be helpful to students.”

Mark Riley, President of LISTEN, the LGBTQIA+ club on campus, remarked on the importance of this CE credit. Riley discussed the significance of CE credits and how the aim is to broaden students’ perspectives. 

“Religion and sexuality and gender identity typically are seen as incompatible,” Riley said. “So having a trans pastor, which you don’t hear that often, come and speak at Berry. I think it is a wonderful thing and a step in the right direction.”