In a deeply personal moment shared before her congregation, a Rochester Methodist pastor revealed plans to transition, drawing heartfelt support from church members even as her family struggles to accept the change.
Rev. Phillip Phaneuf, 51, made the announcement during the November 23 service at North Chilli United Methodist Church. Standing at the pulpit in a rainbow stole, she described the decision as an act of authenticity and relief.
“I get to announce with joy that I’m transitioning… I’m affirming to all of you that I am transgender,” Phaneuf said from the pulpit. “The best way to put this is that I’m not becoming a woman, I’m giving up pretending to be a man.”
Phaneuf also explained that she now identifies as asexual, meaning she experiences little or no sexual attraction. “I’ve been that way since we’ve all been together… I’m not living my life in a way that involves looking for romance,” she told church members.
As part of the transition, Phaneuf said her name will change to Phillippa, and she will use she/her pronouns. She also revealed that she has been undergoing hormone replacement therapy for the past three months, noting that changes in her voice, hair, and appearance are expected.
Speaking with Fox News Digital, Phaneuf confirmed the details and praised the congregation for their response. “Since coming out to my congregation, they have been overwhelmingly affirming!” she said, adding that the church’s bishop and leadership also fully support her decision. She emphasized that the transition will not affect her pastoral responsibilities.
However, not all reactions have been positive. Phaneuf told the congregation that her parents do not support the transition. “They asked me to tell you all that they do not support me,” she shared during the announcement.
The pastor’s announcement comes after the United Methodist Church (UMC) last year reversed long-standing rules that condemned LGBTQ+ identities. The UMC now affirms human sexuality “as a sacred gift” for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The church states that it is committed to “befriending and caring for all persons, including LGBTQ persons in our churches and communities.”
For Phaneuf, the transition marks a significant personal step — one that she says is being met with love from the community she serves.
“What will stay the same is my deepening love for all of you,” she told her congregation.
