The Church of England is to vote on creating an official ‘baptism-style’ service to celebrate when transgender Christians change sex.

The controversial motion has dismayed traditionalists, who say the Bible teaches that gender is God-given.

But liberals said vicars have been forced to devise unofficial services to welcome sex-change worshippers and the Church should demonstrate its unambiguous acceptance of transsexuals.

The Church of England is to vote on creating an official ‘baptism-style’ service to celebrate when transgender Christians change sex

The motion will be debated by the General Synod in July and comes at a highly sensitive time for bishops, who are struggling to prevent a major split over same-sex marriage.

Conservative Synod member Andrea Williams, director of pressure group Christian Concern, said: ‘It is unclear why we are even debating this issue.

‘We are sensitive to people who feel uncomfortable with their sex, but Christian teaching is that God made us man and woman.

‘The Church should help people to see the beauty of their God-given sex instead of confusing them.’