- Reverend Phil Phaneuf publicly announces she is transitioning to a woman
- She will now use she/her pronouns while keeping ministry role
- Pastor says transition only affects physical appearance, not faith
- Congregation reacts with surprise and support during Sunday service
A New York pastor announces gender transition, leaving her congregation stunned after revealing she is transitioning into a woman. Reverend Phil Phaneuf, 51, shared her journey with parishioners at North Chili United Methodist Church, emphasizing that her faith and ministry remain unchanged.
During a Sunday service that left many churchgoers in shock, Reverend Phil Phaneuf publicly declared that she is transitioning from male to female. The veteran pastor, born male, has been undergoing hormone replacement therapy for several months and now identifies as transgender.
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“I get to announce with joy that I am transitioning. I am affirming and saying to all of you that I am transgender,” she told the congregation while wearing a rainbow stole.
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Phaneuf clarified her perspective: “The best way to put this is that I’m not becoming a woman, I’m giving up pretending to be a man.” She announced her new name, Phillippa Faye Phaneuf, but added that she will continue to go by Reverend Phil for ministry purposes.
The pastor assured church members that her transition will only involve physical changes and that she will continue her pastoral duties without interruption. She stressed that her commitment to Jesus Christ and her congregation remains firm.
“I’m not going to be the pronoun police,” Phaneuf said. “I don’t think that anybody will misgender out of malice.”
The announcement drew mixed reactions, with many expressing admiration for her courage, while others were visibly surprised. Despite this, Phaneuf emphasized that her spiritual leadership and devotion to the church would remain unwavering.
