On November 23, a 51-year-old pastor in Rochester, New York, surprised congregants at North Chili United Methodist Church by openly announcing a personal transition during the Sunday service.
Rev. Phillip Phaneuf appeared at the pulpit wearing a rainbow stole and shared that, after years of living inauthentically, the time had come to stop presenting as a man.Phaneuf clarified that the journey ahead is less about adopting a new gender and more about releasing a lifelong pretense.
Already underway with hormone replacement therapy, the pastor anticipates gradual physical changes to voice, hair, and overall appearance in the months to come.
The new name will be Phillippa, with she/her pronouns, and Phaneuf also disclosed an asexual identity characterized by minimal or absent sexual attraction.Church leadership and most members have responded with strong support.
The district bishop was informed in advance, and both the congregation and regional conference have expressed affirmation.
Phaneuf stressed that pastoral responsibilities will continue without interruption, noting that recent denominational changes now fully embrace LGBTQ+ individuals and view human sexuality as a gift from God regardless of orientation or gender identity.
Although the pastor’s parents have voiced their opposition, the wider church community has extended warmth and acceptance.
The announcement reflects broader shifts within mainline Protestant denominations as they adapt longstanding teachings to contemporary understandings of gender and sexual diversity.
