The Church of St. Paul the Apostle in Manhattan has recently stirred up controversy over its display of an art exhibit titled “God is Trans: A Queer Spiritual Journey.”
This exhibit, which challenges traditional religious beliefs by suggesting there is no devil and outlines the spiritual journey of the queer community, has sparked a divide amongst the church’s congregation.
The Archdiocese of New York, which only became aware of the exhibit via media reports, expressed concerns about the art show. A spokesperson conveyed that the archdiocese was uninformed about the event prior to its unveiling, and an investigation is currently underway to gather more information.
The New York Post highlighted the disparity in parishioner reactions. One parishioner voiced frustration, accusing the church of forcing an agenda, while another, Cherri Gosh, praised the church’s liberal stance.
The creator of the exhibit, Adah Unachukwu, explained that the artwork represents three key points of the queer spiritual journey: Sacrifice, Identity, and Communion.
Another supporter, Bill O’Connor, noted the church’s long-standing acceptance of the queer community, reflected in its ministry “Out at St. Paul,” which actively engages in outreach to the LGBTQ+ community. The ministry’s social media platforms echo this message, emphasizing God’s love for trans children.
The archdiocese and Father Rick Walsh, the church’s pastor, have yet to comment on the situation.
