Transgender Renaming Service

Ceremony to honor and commemorate persons coming into the fullness of their identity with the support of their worshipping community.

 

Minister: We are here to affirm the name of ___________, ____________, and _____________. Each name symbolizes all that you are becoming through the grace of God. We honor the names given you by your parents. We release them into your history and acknowledge that the time has come to declare a new name. This name is the culmination of a journey of discovery and, at the same time, its beginning.

(Spoken to the congregation)

Will you do all in your power to assist ____________, _____________, and ______________ to maintain justice, to do what is right, and to live fully into the person that God has created them to be?

Congregation: We will.

Prayer of Blessing:

Dynamic and holy God, we remember how you changed the names of Abraham and Sarah, as they set out to follow you. We know that you changed the name of Jacob, after a long night of wrestling with you. We now declare publicly and affirm the name you have bestowed upon _______________, ______________, and _____________ (laying hands upon each head)

___________, _______________, and ________________ receive the blessings of God. Walk in the spirit this day and always, knowing that God has made an everlasting covenant with you, that shall never be cut off.

In the name of the Creator, Christ and Holy Spirit, Amen.

Minister: Jesus said, “Rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”

Congregation: Alleluia! Amen.


Contributed by Reverend Dr. Cameron Partridge

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