Story perspectives

Transgender Woman Denied Baptism by Church Over Appearance

4/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

Joann Carver, a transgender woman, alleges that the Lighthouse Church in Ely, Cambridgeshire, denied her baptism unless she wore trousers and grew a beard.
After joining the church in April 2022 and completing a pre-baptism course, she was refused baptism in June 2025.
A pastor reportedly told her partner that Ms. Carver needed to change her appearance.
Hurt by this rejection, the couple left and joined Renew Inclusive Church, where Ms. Carver was baptized on October 26.
The Lighthouse Church disputed the claims regarding the pastoral conversation.

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Story summary

Joann Carver, a transgender woman, alleges that the Lighthouse Church in Ely, Cambridgeshire, denied her baptism unless she wore trousers and grew a beard.
After joining the church in April 2022 and completing a pre-baptism course, she was refused baptism in June 2025.
A pastor reportedly told her partner that Ms. Carver needed to change her appearance.
Hurt by this rejection, the couple left and joined Renew Inclusive Church, where Ms. Carver was baptized on October 26.
The Lighthouse Church disputed the claims regarding the pastoral conversation.