Cleveland - The Rev. Dr. Pat Conover, Legislative Director for Justice and Witness Ministries of the United Church of Christ, has authored a book that provides a basic scientific, practical, and theological grounding for ministry to and with Transgender people. The book, Transgender Good News, is in keeping with the open and affirming resolutions passed by The United Church of Christ General Synods and a growing number of United Church of Christ congregations. It provides an opportunity for those who want to understand the transgender part of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender concerns, who want to gain an understanding of all aspects of transgender experience and expression.

Rev. John Thomas, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ, commented, "The United Church of Christ has recognized that it has been enriched by the ministry of transgender clergy and lay people. This book provides a wide range of useful material for church leaders who are interested in integrating transgender people into the life of the church.” Bernice Powell Jackson, Executive Minister of Justice and Witness Ministries of the Untied Church of Christ, commented, "This is the kind of book we expect from Pat: thoughtful, balanced and relevant. Learning how to work with transgender people in many cultures is an important part of the United Church of Christ's emphasis on becoming a multi-racial and multi-cultural church. This ground-breaking book can help.” Rev. William R. Johnson, the first openly gay minister to be ordained by a protestant denomination, commented, "Transgender people are a vital part of the community of faith we are creating within the United Church of Christ. They are helping our church to create new resources that will increase understanding and caring. Pat Conover's book is an inspiring and practical guide to responding to question that are part of the everyday lives of transgender people and those who love them.

Pat Conover has been an ordained minister of the United Church of Christ for 37 years and has served as a pastor in local congregations and in the Washington Office of the UCC for sixteen years. He made known his transgender standing 6 years ago and has continued in ordained standing. Several other ministers hold ordained standing in the United Church of Christ. Dr. Conover earned a Ph. D. in sociology from Florida State University in 1971 and had professional publications in the area of gender roles and labeling theory during his work in teaching and research at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

Pat Conover comments, "At a time when many denominations are wondering how to relate to transgender ministers and laity, when transgender people are wondering whether the good news of Jesus Christ is good for them, I hope this book can bring some small blessings, open some doors and windows so that deeper meeting and caring can occur.