Not in Jesus’ Name: Lamenting Violence Against Trans Souls

On Sunday, December 28, 2025, trans, queer, and ally Christians gathered for a procession of lament at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Marking the “Feast of the Holy Innocents” in the Christian tradition, the group drew on ancient liturgy to affirm trans existence and renounce the violent assaults in body and spirit unfolding locally and nationally.

The Feast of the Holy Innocents

The Gospel of Matthew tells us that shortly after Jesus was born, a political opportunist slaughters untold number of children to hold onto political power.

The story is a stark reminder to Christians today that faith demands courage, especially when innocent people are being preyed upon for political gain.

The Action

The Wisconsin Capitol is home to the Wisconsin State Legislature, where numerous anti-trans bills have been introduced in recent years. At the time, the Trans Legislation Tracker was tracking 20 anti-trans bills in Wisconsin that would affect the ability of trans people to obtain healthcare, education, accurate legal identification, and to participate in school sports. Meanwhile, the federal government is seeking to withhold Medicaid and Medicare funding from any hospital that offers gender-affirming care to people under the age of 18. Organized by Radical Love team at Grace Episcopal Church Madison and the Stone Catchers, “Not in Jesus’ Name” called attention to the steep toll that anti-trans legislation and anti-trans religious rhetoric take on trans people through a public procession of lament, a ‘die-in’ in the Capitol Rotunda, and an evensong service of God’s love for and solidarity with trans people.

“A voice is heard in Ramah, lamentation and bitter weeping. Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are no more.”
- Jeremiah 31:15

Gathered in the Capitol Rotunda, the group shared in an Evensong liturgy, drawing on scripture, sharing in poetry, and praying together for the courage to fulfill our Christian duty to Christian duty to interrupt violence, both physical and spiritual, when it is directed at innocent people, praying:

“God of Love, in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ you have shown us what love truly is. Stir up in your church the love for our trans siblings. Give us courage to stand with them when they are threatened. Give us the words to defend them when they are slandered. Give us generous hearts to share our possessions with the 29% of trans people who live in poverty, especially our Black and Hispanic siblings, who face the compounding threats of racism and transphobia. Teach us, Holy Spirit, to love our trans siblings as Christ loves the church: bravely, generously, sacrificially.

O Lord, make haste to help us.”