Pastor reveals gender transition during Church service, says 'I’m giving up pretending to be a man'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: A Methodist pastor revealed plans to transition. Rev Phillip Phaneuf of North Chili United Methodist Church in Rochester shared the news during the November 23 Sunday service. They wore a rainbow stole while addressing the congregation.

Phaneuf said, "I’m giving up pretending to be a man." He also revealed that his sexuality is now 'asexual.' The paster also stated that the community has been very supportive and welcoming. 

The 51-year-old revealed that his parents do not support the decision. "They asked me to tell you all that they do not support me," Phaneuf shared during the sermon. "They asked me to tell you this."

Pastor shares gender transition journey and new identity

"So I get to announce with joy that I’m transitioning," Phaneuf said. "I’m affirming to all of you that I am transgender. The best way to put this is that I’m not becoming a woman, I’m giving up pretending to be a man. This is a process, and it may be shocking for some as to what this all means."

"I’m in the category of what they call asexual," Phaneuf said. "I’ve been that way since we’ve all been together, in that I am not living my life in a way that involves looking for romance."

Phaneuf added that the name will be changed to Phillippa and the preferred pronouns are she/her. Hormone replacement therapy has been underway for the past three months, and changes to appearance, voice, and hair are expected.

Phillip Phaneuf opens up about the transition process and community support

Phaneuf said the details of the transition are accurate and that the church community has been very welcoming. "Since coming out to my congregation, they have been overwhelmingly affirming!"

The pastor also highlighted support from church leadership. He noted that the bishop was consulted before the announcement and assured that any pastoral duties would remain unaffected. "What will stay the same is my deepening love for all of you," Phaneuf said.

Last year, the United Methodist Church updated its rules to reverse previous condemnations of LGBTQ+ identities. The UMC now recognizes human sexuality as "a sacred gift" and emphasizes that this applies to everyone, no matter their sexual orientation or gender identity, according to its official website.

 "The United Methodist Church commits to befriending and caring for all persons, including LGBTQ persons in our churches and communities," the church website states.