Catholic church hosts 'God is Trans: A Queer Spiritual Journey' art exhibit

A Catholic church in Manhattan, known for being traditionally liberal, is receiving backlash for hosting an art display that contradicts the Catholic Church's views on transgenderism.

The Church of St. Paul the Apostle recently began hosting an exhibit titled "God is Trans: A Queer Spiritual Journey." The display by Adah Unachukwu features several paintings by the artist placed next to the church's altar.

According to the exhibit's description, the paintings map "the queer spiritual journey by three significant points: Sacrifice, Identity, and Communion."

"The painting Sacrifice and its complementary act in the film speak to the need to shed an old life and personhood in order to be able to focus on your spiritual need," the artist's description explained.

"There is no devil; just past selves," it continued.

The second painting was described as "Identity," which Unachukwu defined as "the most impactful part of the exhibition."

"What does holiness look like? What does your god look like? Are these two portrayals that can be merged?" the artist asked.

The final painting was titled "Communion," which "rounds out the spiritual journey, by placing God and the mortal on the same plane to speak to one another."

"This part of the installation is about a spiritual home and the ways we can achieve this home in our everyday lives," the Unachukwu's description concluded.

One parishioner, who disapproved of the artwork, told the New York Post, "The church should not be promoting this."

"I understand there are transgender people. I pray for all people, but enough is enough," the parishioner stated. "It seems like they are trying to force the agenda on others."

According to the parishioner, when a priest was asked about the art display, he did not respond.

"You can't put this out on the altar and then hide," the parishioner added. "That's what gets the church in trouble."

Meanwhile, others applauded the church for embracing the LGBT community.

Cherri Ghosh, 80, told the Post, "I don't understand the art, but this church is very liberal, which is why I love this church."

Bill O'Connor, 79, called the exhibit and the church "wonderful."

"The queer community has been accepted here for a long time now," he told the Post.

"This is a place of welcome," O'Connor continued. "It's also a place to question one's own path."

A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of New York declined to comment on the paintings and stated he was unaware of the church's controversial exhibit, the Post reported.

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