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In this sermon, Rev. Madison “Maddie” Hilt—pastor for Community Advocacy at Riverside Church and the only out trans woman in a pastoral role in North Florida—explores the intersecting roads of faith, identity, and trans liberation.
Connecting modern trans experiences to the biblical story of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, Rev. Hilt examines how marginalization and scapegoating function across history, and why authentic vulnerability and allyship are essential to building a safer, more inclusive world.
Key Topics Covered:
- Reclaiming pain as power: From Southern Baptist roots to transgender advocacy
- The scriptural connection: The Ethiopian eunuch as a biblical ancestor for trans inclusion
- Scapegoating and the current political climate surrounding the trans community
- The power of mutual vulnerability, active listening, and relational advocacy
- A call to action for allies to share stories, hold space, and make a difference “one starfish at a time”
Video Timestamps:
- 00:00 – Speaker Introduction & Welcome from Riverside Church
- 01:10 – Identity, Theology, and a Universalist Baptist Perspective
- 02:30 – Personal Reflection: Growing Up Evangelical & The COVID-19 Turning Point
- 04:20 – Entering Advocacy and Finding Power in Vulnerability
- 05:40 – Scripture Reading: Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)
- 07:20 – Examining the Story: Inclusion, Isaiah, and Unconditional Acceptance
- 09:15 – Scapegoating the Trans Community in Modern Society
- 10:45 – The Heart of Advocacy: Listening, Education, and Allyship
- 12:50 – Building Bridges in Civic and Faith Spaces
- 14:30 – The Parable of the Starfish & Homework for the Community
Topics: Society & Culture