On Tuesday, 1 October, the Rev. Canon Sarah Jones, vicar of The City Parish of St John the Baptist, Cardiff, and Honorary Canon of Llandaff Cathedral, delivered an uplifting lecture in PJ Hall, Main Arts Building. Sarah made history as the first person to be ordained in the Church of England after a gender transition. Despite facing media scrutiny and criticism from conservative factions, Sarah’s unwavering faith and the support of her parishioners and bishop exemplified resilience and inclusivity in the face of adversity.
Sarah’s talk, infused with passion, wit, and profound insight, shared her journey of faith, identity, and her mission to champion diversity and kindness. Speaking to students and staff, she emphasized the importance of mutual support, tackling hatred, and fostering inclusive communities.
Reflecting on the event, Dr Gareth Evans-Jones, lecturer in Philosophy and Religion, remarked, “Sarah is such an inspirational person – her unique perspective on Christianity, inclusivity, and society is truly significant, and being able to hear her talk about these aspects, as well as others, was special. We are fortunate to have been able to welcome Sarah to Bangor and look forward to seeing her again.”
Sarah has been an active supporter of Bangor University for a while, and this year, she also participated in an online interview for LGBTQ+ History Month in February, hosted by the School of History, Law, and Social Sciences.
As Transgender Awareness Month continues through November, it is a time to educate, advocate, and celebrate the contributions of trans individuals. For more information, please visit the Trans Aid Cymru website.