Catholic Church Group Ordains Transgender Priest

Over the weekend, Shannon T. L. Kearns became the independent Catholic group’s first transgender priest.

Father Shannon Kearns (L) and Bishop Benjamin Evans. Image by Photo by Orrin S. Pratt

On Saturday, Jan. 19, the North American Old Catholic Church ordained Shannon T. L. Kearns to priesthood. Kearns became the first transgender priest for the independent Catholic group, which ordains women, members of the LGBTQ community, and married/partnered/divorce people.

“I am honored and humbled,” Kearns said in a statement. The new priest has been tasked with starting a new parish in Minneapolis, House of the Transfiguration, which will be open to all people. The parish “will combine traditional Catholic worship with modern expressions.”

While earning his master in divinity from Union Theological Seminary, Kearns transitioned from female to male. In the U.S., there are estimated to be fewer than 100 transgender clergy members. And Kearns is among just a handful in the state of Minnesota.

Check out more images of Kearns’ ordination below.

The Bishop presents the new priest with the Gospels. Image by Photo by Orrin S. Pratt

The new priest is vested by his friends Rev. Alison Killeen and Pastor Adam Rao with stole and chasuble. Image by Photo by Orrin S. Pratt

The new priest offers thanks for the gifts. Image by Photo by Orrin S. Pratt