In LGBT-welcoming Britain, Church of England tries to find its path

Britain's transgender community recently got an unlikely new ally: the Church of England.

Last month the church released guidelines for its 4,700 schools, which aim to tackle transgender bullying. Most of the advice deals with anti-bullying policies and training for staff. But one section stated that pupils should feel able to “try out the many cloaks of identity” – a generous progressive position that quickly sparked outrage among its more conservative wings.

From the appointment of the first female bishop, to welcoming refugees and supporting food banks, the guidelines are just the latest in the church’s efforts to modernize and become inclusive. And while traditional, conservative members of the church are struggling to accept changes, others believe

A church left behindShrinking attendanceAlienated by reform?