Church Leader Transitioning To Woman: RI State Churches Council

NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI — The Rev. Donald Anderson, a Cranston native and North Kingstown resident, is in the news Monday. WPRI-TV was first to report Rev. Anderson is transitioning to a woman. The information was released by the Rhode Island State Council of Churches, where Dr. Anderson is an executive minister.

Here is the press release from Chontell Washington, of the state council of churches.

I am also happy to share with you that after 11 years of service our Executive Minister the Rev. Dr. Don Anderson has been granted a three month sabbatical starting on June 1^st. Last fall Dr. Anderson shared with the Governing Board that she is transgender and in the process of transitioning. This sabbatical will afford Dr. Anderson the opportunity to do that free of the day to day operations of the council. During the sabbatical Dr. Anderson will be changing her name from Donald to Donnie. The council is appreciative of Dr. Anderson’s ministry and totally supportive of her transition. Please join us in wishing her well in this time of transition. We look forward to welcoming the Rev. Dr. Donnie Anderson back from her sabbatical in September.

Photo Caption: Leftmost, Rev. Donald Anderson pictured at the RI ACLU during a controversy about a prayer banner at Cranston West High. Credit: Andrew Metcalf, Patch Poster