Transsexual and baptismal certificate

Lynn-D · #1 Nov 27, '04, 9:21 am

I am a post-op transsexual, (not transgendered), and had my surgery in 1972. Shortly afterward I approached my parish priest to have my baptismal certificate changed to reflect my amended status. He forwarded my request through the proper channels. In time the request came back approved and my name is properly reflected.
Since that time I have lived a Catholic life but one that is now questioned. My current parish priest does not know and almost all those that know me are not aware of my past. It is between my husband and I as I see it.
Lately I have been told by other Catholics that have gone through the same and they tell me the Catholic Church no longer changes the certificate and that mine is now null and void and I might be automatically excommunicated since I married outside of the church. I wrote to Fr Greeley and he told me that is not true and I am still a member of the Church.
I am confused now though since I have been getting conflicting opinions. I do not want to ask my parish priest since that might just jeopardize my standing as well as void my baptismal certificate that was issued back in the 70's.
Any opinions or advice would be welcome.

Joe Kelley · #2 Nov 27, '04, 2:02 pm

Father Greeley is not an authority. [ In fact he can almost always be relied upon to get it wrong.] Only your bishop or the Pope can speak authoritatively on such matters.

I recall a document, from Rome I think, a year or so back which prohibited the changing of Baptismal Certificates in such cases. I don't know where to find it.

I think you have a problem here and need some expert help to set it straight. You probably need a Canon Law expert. You might try the "Ask an Apologist" section in this forum, or the Canon Law expert at EWTN. I think St Joseph's Communication also has something in this line, but I don't have a contact there.

An alternative would be the Tribunal at your diocese. They may not give the answer you hope for, and may be forced to act on the results. However it is important that you find out what is right and get things straightened out.

Hopefully someone with greater knowledge will jump in and improve on my response.

With my prayers and best wishes.

Lynn-D · #3 Nov 29, '04, 4:44 am

Did post to the Apologists and not only was I ignored but my post has been erased. Guess the church wants to hide from those like me and treat us like lepers.

AServantofGod · #4 Nov 29, '04, 1:22 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn-D

Did post to the Apologists and not only was I ignored but my post has been erased. Guess the church wants to hide from those like me and treat us like lepers.

Try posting again. I, too, have had my posts go unanswered or appear to have been erased on much less controversial topic. So give the Ask the Apologist section another try.

Joe Kelley · #5 Nov 29, '04, 1:24 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn-D

Did post to the Apologists and not only was I ignored but my post has been erased. Guess the church wants to hide from those like me and treat us like lepers.

Try
EWTN

Click on New Question - the rightmost box. Specify the Canon Law forum. It can be hard to get in. They are often full. But if you persist it will work.

Gordon N · #6 Nov 29, '04, 1:34 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn-D

Did post to the Apologists and not only was I ignored but my post has been erased. Guess the church wants to hide from those like me and treat us like lepers.

Looks like it was read and answered this morning @ 10:38...

Joe Kelley · #7 Nov 29, '04, 2:08 pm

See Father Serpa

Lynn-D · #8 Nov 30, '04, 5:45 pm

Thank you all for you kindness. I am comforted by the advice given and especially from all the priests that agree my changed baptismal certificate is still valid.
I did follow Fr Serpa's advice and wrote to The National Bioethics Center for a clear position especially in regard to my being buried in consecrated ground without ado and now await their response.
Again, thanks and God Bless you all,
Lynn-D