While other documentaries have examined faith and the LGBT community, Thy Will Be Done takes a somewhat different tack in that it focuses on one specific individual with a particular goal—a male-to-female transsexual who wants to be an ordained Presbyterian minister. In 2001, Steve Herwig, who grew up in Kansas and lives in Massachusetts, made the transition and became Sara, a woman in a lesbian relationship. Herwig had already studied in a seminary as a young man and passed the required exams, but her new situation presented her with two obstacles to overcome, since her religion also frowned on non-heterosexual unions. Rev. Jean Southard, a minister at the inclusive First Presbyterian Church in Waltham, where Herwig is a member, says the initial steps toward ordination were “not an easy process.” When Herwig's aspirations became public knowledge, some church members looked on her with pity, recommending “prayers for healing,” but a committee eventually accepted her candidacy. Voiceovers by actors convey some of the opposition among church elders, and—in the film's most compelling segments—director Alice Dungan Bouvrie speaks directly with Herwig's ex-wife, Billie, their daughter, and Herwig's mother, all of whom talk at length about their struggles to accept the shock of Herwig's transformation and their eventual acceptance and support. Despite all the heartache, Billie says, “Sara is just happier in general.” As the film ends, Herwig has married her partner but continues to pursue a position as pastor—a required final step in ordination. DVD extras include additional interviews. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)
Thy Will Be Done
(2010) 56 min. DVD: $95: public libraries; $249: colleges & universities. New Day Films. PPR. Volume 26, Issue 6
Thy Will Be Done
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: