Few would have anticipated that the social movement that would in many ways define this decade would be transgenderism, not least because it seemed fairly obvious to all parties not so long ago that being a ‘man’ or a ‘woman’ was biologically determined and not the result of subjective identification. And yet, here we are! Christians, especially in healthcare, find themselves between a rock and a hard place. Our conviction that God created each person in His image, either male or female He created them (Gen. 1:27), and to use medicine to heal rather than to do harm lead us to reject the ideology of transgenderism, while at the same time the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves leads us to engage people with kindness and compassion.

At this year’s Midwest Fall Conference, we will be joined by Dr. Paul Hruz, pediatric endocrinologist at Washington University in St Louis, who will guide us through thinking about these issues from a Christian worldview. We will hear not only the science relating to the issue of gender identity disorder and gender transitions, but also about the ethical and legislative dimensions of the debate, as well as best practices for providing compassionate care to those experiencing a disconnect with their sex. Please join us for an informative and encouraging lecture series!