By Gabriela Baron
The Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI) has ordained Rev. Wowa Ledama, the first trans woman clergy in the Philippines.
Ledama, 28, was consecrated as deacon by IFI Supreme Bishop Rhee Timbang at the IFI National Cathedral in Malate, Manila on Friday, Feb. 24.
“I thought the priesthood would be an effective way to deliver the boundless and supreme love of God. Thus, at the risk of judgment and great difficulty, I chose to become a transwoman seminarian at the Aglipay Central Theological Seminary,” Ledama wrote.
“In my journey, I’ve met a lot of good people who helped me cope with my daily troubles. Those uplifting individuals make me believe that there is hope for us, the marginalized, whom others have called immoral sinners for centuries,” she added.
Ledama, for her part, said she will continue to “dream of a community where no person feels insecure and unsafe in their identity.”
“In my passage to priesthood, I am proving that the vocation is inclusive, welcoming anyone committed to work in the vineyard of God,” she added.
“In forging ahead, I am lucky I mustered up the gender-neutral values of conscience, persistence and honesty, which help me forge ahead.”
