Release Year: 2010
Synopsis:
In a world where the intersection of identity, faith, and personal transformation is often fraught with tension, Thy Will Be Done (2010), directed by Alice Bouvrie, stands as a profound and intimate documentary that explores the life of Sara Herwig—a transgender woman navigating the complexities of gender, religion, and family within the context of her call to ministry in the Presbyterian Church (USA).
The documentary follows Herwig's journey to ordination and the impact her decision to transition has on her personal and familial relationships. More than just a story of individual transformation, the film also delves into the broader implications of how faith communities, and in particular the Presbyterian Church, respond to the issues of gender identity and inclusion.
Through the lens of Sara Herwig’s personal narrative, Thy Will Be Done examines the transformative power of faith and identity, the challenges of living authentically, and the potential for reconciliation in the face of deep familial rifts.
At the heart of the documentary is Sara Herwig, a woman who, like many transgender individuals, faced significant personal struggles before living authentically. Born in a male body, Herwig transitioned in 1997 and began to live in the female gender role, a journey that brought both liberation and profound personal conflict. Herwig’s life prior to her transition was defined by a rigorous religious upbringing. She had always been drawn to the church, ultimately pursuing a Master of Divinity from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Despite her deep religious convictions, Herwig faced a dilemma: how could she reconcile her faith and sense of calling to ministry with the reality of her transgender identity?
Herwig’s transition was not just a personal decision; it became a theological and spiritual journey that required navigating complex questions about the nature of identity, God’s will, and how to live a life that honored both her faith and her truth. This inner conflict is at the core of the documentary’s exploration, as viewers see Herwig wrestling with how her transition might be perceived by the church and whether she could continue her pursuit of ordination after coming out as transgender.
Beyond her education, Herwig’s advocacy work became central to her mission. From 1999 to 2001, she served as the Director of Operations at The International Foundation for Gender Education (IFGE), a key organization dedicated to the education and advocacy of transgender issues. Herwig’s public work included leading workshops, seminars, and presentations at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University, Boston University, and Andover-Newton Theological School, all of which allowed her to educate others about the complex realities faced by transgender people. Additionally, her involvement with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and advocacy for full inclusion of transgender individuals in ministry played a pivotal role in her life’s calling. She served on the national board of That All May Freely Serve (TAMFS), an organization working toward the full inclusion of people of all identities in the life and ministry of the church.
In 2006, after years of hard work and advocacy, Herwig was certified ready to seek ordination for the ministry of Word and Sacrament by the Presbytery of Boston. Yet her ordination journey was not without its obstacles, and it was these challenges that would test both her faith and the faith of her family.
The documentary is a poignant exploration of how Herwig’s transition not only impacted her but also the relationships within her family. The theme of family and the tensions created by Sara’s decision to transition are woven throughout the narrative. The film captures intimate moments with her parents, siblings, and extended family, showing both the moments of deep strain and the eventual reconciliation that took place.
Sara’s transition is shown to cause a profound emotional upheaval in her family. For many parents, a child’s transition presents a deep crisis of identity, a challenge that requires them to reimagine the very nature of their relationships. The Herwig family initially struggles with Sara’s decision. Her parents, in particular, are confronted with questions of how to reconcile their deeply held religious beliefs with the reality of having a transgender child.
Their initial reactions are marked by confusion, grief, and fear, as they wrestle with the idea that their daughter—whom they had always known as their son—would now be living in a different gender role.
However, Thy Will Be Done is not just a story of division; it is also one of healing. Over time, Herwig’s family members, particularly her parents, come to understand and accept her identity. The film poignantly documents this process, showing how Herwig’s family learns to view her not through the lens of gender, but through the lens of love and faith. This eventual acceptance mirrors the process of spiritual reconciliation that Herwig herself undergoes, reconciling her faith in God with her authentic self.
The documentary powerfully illustrates how Herwig’s journey of self-acceptance and her family’s journey toward understanding are not separate, but intertwined. Through faith and grace, the family is able to come together in new and meaningful ways, showing that despite initial fractures, love and acceptance can heal even the deepest divides.
One of the central themes of Thy Will Be Done is the intersection of gender identity and faith, particularly within the context of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The film delves into the struggles and triumphs of Sara Herwig as she seeks to become ordained as a minister, despite the church’s historically conservative stance on LGBTQ+ issues. The Presbyterian Church (USA) has, over the years, made significant strides toward the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in church life and ministry, but the acceptance of transgender individuals remains a complex issue.
Herwig’s ordination process is emblematic of the broader struggles faced by transgender people of faith.
The film presents the tension between Herwig’s desire to serve as a pastor and the resistance she faces from certain factions within the church that question whether someone with her transgender history can truly represent God’s will. Despite these obstacles, Herwig is steadfast in her belief that her calling to ministry is legitimate, and she works tirelessly to prove that her faith and identity are inextricably linked.
The documentary offers viewers an inside look at the ongoing debates surrounding gender and inclusion in the church. Through interviews with religious leaders, Herwig’s mentors, and fellow activists, the film explores the theological arguments for and against the full inclusion of transgender individuals in ministry. Ultimately, the film leaves viewers with a powerful message of hope, showing that faith communities—like families—can evolve and grow in ways that honor both tradition and the diverse identities that make up the body of Christ.
Thy Will Be Done is more than just a documentary about one woman’s journey to ordination. It is a testament to the power of faith, identity, and transformation. Through the lens of Sara Herwig’s story, the film explores how the process of self-discovery and authenticity can tear apart old paradigms, only to rebuild them in ways that are deeper, more honest, and more loving than before.
The film highlights the profound ways in which faith communities—if open to change—can be spaces of healing and reconciliation. It is a reminder that journeys of transformation, while often difficult and painful, can lead to greater wholeness and deeper connection with both one’s faith and one’s family. Thy Will Be Done is a poignant, powerful exploration of the intersection of identity, love, and faith, and it serves as an important call for inclusion, understanding, and grace within religious communities.
In the end, Sara Herwig’s story is not just about one person’s path to ordination; it is about the larger journey of finding one’s place in the world, in the family, and in the church. It is a journey of faith—both personal and communal—and a reminder that God’s will for us, often difficult to discern, can ultimately lead us toward greater authenticity, love, and reconciliation.
Trailer:
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