Reformed Baptists Torn Between Condemning and Commending Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence

A group of Reformed Baptists in Fontana, California, are facing a dilemma: whether to protest or support the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, a charity organization of satirical drag nuns who are known for their irreverent wit and queer activism.

The Reformed Baptists, who hold to a Calvinist soteriology (salvation) and the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, are staunchly opposed to both transgenderism and Roman Catholicism, two things that the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence embody and mock.

"We are conflicted," said Pastor John Calvin Jr., the leader of the Reformed Baptist Church of Riverside. "On one hand, we believe that these drag nuns are an abomination in the sight of God, who created them male and female. On the other hand, we respect their zeal for exposing the errors and evils of the papacy, which we consider to be the Antichrist."

Pastor Calvin Jr. said he was inspired by the Sisters' recent ordeal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who initially invited them to receive a community heroes award at their Pride Night, then rescinded it after backlash from conservative Catholic groups, and then reinstated it after apologizing to the Sisters.

"They showed grace and forgiveness to their enemies, which is a Christian virtue," he said. "They also showed strength and resilience in the face of persecution, which is a Calvinist trait. Even more, they believe that children should make their own decisions regarding religion, which we have to respect."

The pastor said he was considering inviting some of the Sisters to his church for a dialogue and a debate, but he was not sure how his congregation would react.

"Some of them might be open to learning from them, while others might be outraged by their presence," he said. "We are praying for guidance from the Holy Spirit."

The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence said they were flattered by the Reformed Baptists' interest in them, but they were also wary of their motives.

"We appreciate their recognition of our work and our message, but we also wonder if they are trying to convert us or condemn us," said Sister Unity, one of the founding members of the Los Angeles chapter. "We are happy to talk to them, but we are not going to change who we are or what we believe."

Sister Unity, who identified for this interview as she/her, said she hoped that the Reformed Baptists would learn to embrace diversity and joy instead of clinging to dogma and judgment.

"We are all children of God, no matter how we identify or express ourselves," she said, "Regardless of whether we choose to accept it or not."