Synodal Process Webinar ‘Understanding LGBTI+ Vulnerabilities’

March 2023 Synodal Process Webinar Highlights LGBTI+ Vulnerabilities

By Dr Vincent Manning

In March 2023, the European Forum of LGBTI+ Christian Groups, in collaboration with the Global Network of Rainbow Catholics, hosted a webinar as part of their Synodal Process series. The virtual event featured key speakers addressing urgent issues impacting the global LGBTI+ community, including the criminalisation of homosexuality, the challenges faced by LGBTI+ refugees, and the rise of anti-LGBTI+ legislation in African countries.

Dr Vincent Manning, Director of Catholics for AIDS Prevention & Support and a leader within the PositiveFaith HIV peer support ministry, spoke on the vulnerabilities of people living with HIV (PLWH). He stressed the importance of the LGBTI+ Christian community in advocating for PLWH and called for their inclusion in ongoing reform efforts within the Church.

Davis Mac-Iyalla, a Nigerian-born LGBT+ human rights activist and founder of the Interfaith Diversity Network of West Africa (IDNOWA), shared his experiences working to defend the rights of LGBTI+ individuals across West Africa. He highlighted the impact of harsh anti-LGBTI+ legislation and discussed the importance of faith-based networks in providing support.

Brian, an activist from rural Kenya who has worked with LGBTIQ asylum seekers and refugees for over 15 years, discussed the struggles of LGBTI+ refugees, focusing on integration, security, and sustainable livelihoods. His presentation shed light on the daily challenges faced by refugees seeking safety from persecution.

Dr Michael Brinkschröder, a Catholic theologian and chair of the Roman Catholic Church Working Group of the European Forum, addressed the Church’s role in protecting the human rights and dignity of LGBTI+ people. He spoke about how the Church can become a more inclusive and supportive institution for all.

The webinar is part of the European Forum’s ongoing efforts to enhance the visibility of LGBTI+ Catholics during the Synodal Process, aligning with Pope Francis’s goal of creating a more inclusive and listening Church. As the Roman Catholic Church prepares for the October 2024 Synodal Assembly, this series encourages meaningful participation from LGBTI+ Catholics, their families, and allies.

The event has been recorded and can be viewed below.