A North Carolina pastor transitions to woman and surprises her church with an emotional announcement during Sunday service. Here’s what happened
A Methodist church in North Carolina was left stunned after its 51-year-old lead pastor used a Sunday sermon to reveal something deeply personal. On November 23, 2025, Reverend Phil Phaneuf told the congregation that he is transitioning and has already begun hormone replacement therapy.
“I’m not becoming a woman. I’m giving up pretending to be a man,” Phaneuf said, speaking with visible emotion. He also shared that his parents did not support his decision, telling the church, “My parents texted me and asked for me to tell you they don’t support me.”
The announcement left many in the pews speechless.
Reverend Phaneuf, who now identifies as a transgender woman and will use she/her pronouns, made the declaration during service at North Chili United Methodist Church while wearing a rainbow stole. “I get to announce with joy that I am transitioning. I am affirming and saying to all of you that I am transgender,” she told the congregation.
She explained that the best way to understand her journey is simple: she is not “becoming” a woman, she is finally letting go of the years she spent pretending to be a man. Her new name will be Phillippa Faye Phaneuf, though she said she will still go by Reverend Phil professionally.
“I’m not going to be the pronoun police,” she added. “I don’t think anyone here will misgender me out of malice.”
Phaneuf reassured church members that nothing about her faith, calling, or ministry will change — only her physical appearance as she continues her transition. She shared that she has been on hormone therapy for about three months already and feels more aligned with her true self than ever before.
Despite the shock, she thanked the congregation for listening and emphasized that her commitment to Jesus Christ remains firm.
