Cambridge dean Michael Banner backs research student's 'Christ had a trans body' claim, sparks row

In a shocking turn of events, the Dean of Trinity College, Dr Michael Banner, backed the views of a research student, Joshua Heath, who drew parallels with the crucifixion wounds of Jesus in medieval and renaissance era paintings to a female genital.

The junior research student suggested that Christ had a trans body because a side wound inflicted upon his body was similar to a female genital opening.

This event occurred after a sermon and left the worshippers in shock and tears. The worshippers were openly disgusted by the statements, and some broke into tears when the controversial remarks were made.


Joshua displayed three paintings during the sermon to back his statement, including Jean Malouel's famous work from 1400 Pieta, where he pointed to Jesus's side wound and blood flowing to the groin. He also told the worshippers that Bonne of Luxembourg's Prayer Book from the 14th Century, this side wound was isolated and “takes on a decidedly vaginal appearance".

The Telegraph reports, the sermon concluded with below remarks

“In Christ's simultaneously masculine and feminine body in these works, if the body of Christ as these works suggest the body of all bodies, then his body is also the trans body."

Several worshippers sent complaint letters to the Dean, and they seemed visibly distressed and left the service in tears. The worshippers felt the sermon to be very contemptuous, and that too, done in the presence of children, left them highly uncomfortable. The Dean, however, backed the statement saying that these images of Christ in the male/female body have provided a way to talk about trans issues.

FAQs:

1. Where is Trinity College located?
   It is located in Cambridge, England.
2. Who is the Dean of Trinity College?
   Dr Michael Banner is the Dean of Trinity College.