Independent report of the Church Fifth Covenant

COLLINS: The Church of the Fifth Covenant is making waves tonight after announcing and then immediately withdrawing 
a statement about their acceptance of transgender members. Live on scene at their headquarters is Liz Greene. Liz?

GREENE: Thanks James. Behind me is the historic headquarters of the Church of the Fifth Covenant, right here in the 
heart of -------. When they were founded in 2022, the church made waves with its vocal push for local measures such 
as 15 dollar minimum wage and multiple public projects such as the church-owned Sarah and Rachel's Library and their 
Elaison Grant for single mothers attending one of our local universities. But early this morning the accidental  
publishing of an internal document put a crack in their perfect image.

JOHNSON: I just can't believe some of our members feel like this...

GREENE: This is Christina Johnson, the founder, leader, and head pastor of the CFC. As per church polity, all 
decisions and official statements must be signed by her before being released to the public. At approximately 8 AM 
today, a new statement of faith was released condemning transgender members of the church, stating that "a person's 
gender cannot be changed" and "to do so is to defy the will of God". Notably, this document did not carry 
Reverend Johnson's signature.

JOHNSON: This was never meant to be church policy. As a church dedicated to racial, gender, and LGBTQ+ equality, 
this statement is not representitive of our beliefs.

GREENE: Shortly after the statement was retracted, an officially signed statement was released affirming that 
transgender members will always be welcomed at the church and stating that "the members who leaked the document have 
been disciplined". For ----- News, I'm Liz Greene

COLLINS: Thank you Liz. We have a full interview with Reverend Johnson available on our website -------. Up nex