Church publishes major update to General Handbook

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has published a major update to its General Handbook of instructions for leaders of local congregations.

Among the biggest changes in the manual are new comments regarding transgender members.

In a large section, Church leaders reiterate their position that gender refers to biological sex at birth.

Members who transition to another gender will not be excluded from worship, though they could experience membership restrictions that could impact their potential callings and attendance in the temple.

The Church also states that transgender members can change their names and the pronouns they go by to fit their new identity.