The United Reformed Church (URC) has issued a response following the Supreme Court’s ruling on the legal definition of a woman.
The United Reformed Church upholds the worth and dignity of all human beings as created in the image of God regardless of their sex or gender.
Like any diverse group within society, we understand and live with the enormous challenge of protecting the rights, beliefs and freedoms of all people without putting some at risk or treating them less equally.
Therefore, we lament that the Supreme Court ruling on the legal definition of a woman, attempting to clarify equality legislation, should have a negative impact on the lives of trans, intersex, non-binary/gender non-conforming people, who already experience significant marginalisation and misunderstanding within our society.
The traditions that make up the URC have been at the forefront of challenging long-held barriers to inclusion and equality: Constance Coltman was the first woman to be ordained as a minister in the Congregational tradition in 1917.
Gender is no longer an obstacle to serving and participating within the full life of the URC. We acknowledge that we are imperfect, but strive to be a place of inclusion, safety and genuine welcome for all.
The United Reformed Church continues to follow the example of Jesus, who sat with, listened to and uplifted the marginalised in society, and used his influence to challenge the powerful. We invite our own members and others to do likewise.
Notes
- On 16 April, 2025, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom ruled that the legal definition of a woman is based on biological sex.
- Judges cautioned that the ruling should not be seen as a success for any group, and that transgender people continue to have legal protection from discrimination.
- The Scottish government had argued that transgender people with a gender recognition certificate were entitled to sex-based protections.
Image: Tom Morris, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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