They have P(phenomenal)-consciousness, there is no warrant for A(access)-consciousness.
Many humans never develop the latter and many, many more lose it one way or another. The biggest cause of death in the first world being dementia. So if you haven’t said the sinner’s prayer before you go ga-ga, you’re damned. Or does it count if you say it after, parrot fashion?
So, the capacity for ‘sin’ is the determinant of transcendence? I’m having my childhood budgies Jenny and Lucy back. Whatever suffers, transcends.