LGCM supports call for Pope Benedict XVI to support the rights of LGBT Christians

The Forum, meeting today in Rome as part of the Europride celebrations, appeals to the Pope to issue a clear statement against homophobic violence and any pressure by religious authorities to undergo reparative therapy, which brings with it severe emotional damage. The letter also calls for believers’ right to be involved in a loving same sex relationships without fear of negative consequences from church hierarchies. It calls upon Pope Benedict XVI to respect the human rights and the personal integrity of LGBT people.

The European Forum represents 44 Christian LGBT member groups from 23 European countries. The Lesbian and Gay Christian Movement is a member of the Forum and Rev Sharon Ferguson, Chief Executive, helped compose the final version of the letter originally drafted by the Polish group Faith and Rainbow. It was approved by the Forums Annual General Meeting in early May, and marks a new era of courage and open dialogue which is emerging among LGBT Catholics and their supporters.

The Cutting Edge Consortium, a grouping of both faith-based and non-religious organisations in the UK, has also lent its support to the letter. LGCM is a member of CEC.

Martin Pendergast of CEC and LGCM said: Rather than defining LGBT Catholics, their parents and families, as persons with problems to be solved, we hope that the Church will recognise the contributions and gifts they bring to the building up of the Body of Christ, the rich catholicity of the People of God.

Rev Sharon Ferguson added, As a member organisation of both the European Forum and the Cutting Edge Consortium LGCM is proud to add its voice in support of this call to Pope Benedict to end the discrimination and fear that pervades the Catholic Church and which impacts negatively and often in life-threatening ways upon the life of LGBT people around the world. This impact is most dangerous where governments and politicians use traditional Catholic attitudes against LGBT people as a defence of their unacceptable hate.

The letter is being presented today at the conference LGBT people and Christian churches in Europe: fears and opportunities for a full acceptance and inclusion, which is part of a programme of events on Faith and Homosexuality that for the first time is included in the Europride 2011 that will take place in Rome from 1 12 June.
For further details please contact Tony Green on 07900 883910

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