The European Forum of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
Christian Groups did last Friday send a letter to Pope Benedict XVI asking for
true respect of the human rights and the personal integrity of LGBT
people.
They forum appealed to the Pope for a clear statement against
homophobic violence and any pressure by religious authorities to undergo
"reparative therapy", often causing harmful psychological damage.
In this letter the Catholic Church is called on to grant LGBT people
the same fundamental right to get involved in a relationship with a
beloved other without being afraid of negative consequences from church
hierarchies.
Malta's Drachma LGBT and Drachma Parents' Groups have circulated the letter to the bishops of Malta and Gozo.
The European Forum represents 44 Christian LGBT member groups from 23 European countries, Drachma being one of them.
Originally initiated by the Polish group "Faith and Rainbow" the
letter was approved by the Forum's annual general meeting in early May.
It indicates a new atmosphere within the Catholic church, where fear
and desperation of LGBT people are replaced by courage and the demand
for open dialogue.
The letter in full may be read in the pdf attachment.
