About Us

What is the European Forum?

The European Forum of LGBTI+ Christian Groups is an ecumenical association of LGBTI+ Christian groups in Europe. The European Forum aims to achieve equality and inclusion for LGBTI+ people within and through Christian churches and other religious bodies and multilateral organisations. 

With over 40 member groups from more than 20 countries in Europe, the European Forum works for freedom of religion for LGBTI+ people, for human rights, for the dignity of LGBTI+ people, and for an affirmative discourse on human sexuality.

The Board

The Board of the European Forum consists of six people. Using the button below, can you find out more about our current Board.

Member Groups

The European Forum has member groups all throughout Europe. Each of the
groups and its website, where available, are listed below.

Partners

Global Interfaith Network for People of All Sexes, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression (GIN-SSOGIE)

comprises individuals and organisations engaged with faith and spirituality.
Website

International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association

is a worldwide federation of 1100 member organisations from 110 countries campaigning for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex rights and was founded in 1978
Website

ReconcilingWorks

Lutherans for Full Participation advocates for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their Church and congregations.
Website

The European Forum offers …

  • the sharing of information,
  • international co-operation,
  • experience of different cultural traditions and Christian worship, and
  • friendship across political, cultural, and language boundaries.

What do we do?

A Growing Network

The European Forum is a growing ecumenical network of more than 40 groups from over 20 countries in Europe. The groups and their members support one another and any individuals, who are facing discrimination. The European Forum also represents the member groups in discussions with ecumenical bodies, national churches, and civic and political organisations.

Annual Conference

Each year, mostly at around Ascension, the European Forum meets for a conference in a different country. During this conference, the Annual General Meeting of the organisation takes place with delegates from all the member groups. Women, who are especially interested in networking with other European women, are welcome to also take part in the Women's Preconference. For those identifying as men, there is a Men's Preconference, too.

Achievements

The European Forum started off in Paris in 1982. Since then, the European Forum looks back with pride on its achievements that include a constant growth in the number of member groups, an increase in participation by women, the support of emerging groups from Central and Eastern Europe, high level contacts with the Conference of European Churches (CEC), and official contacts and liaison with the World Council of Churches (WCC).

Our History

It all originated in 1982 when Emile Letertre, a priest and member of the French lgbt group David & Jonathan, intuited that if he asked some of his friends from England, Italy, Belgium and the Netherlands to meet in Paris they could start something urgently needed. Sixteen people responded, and the following year, in 1983, seven groups were present at the first annual meeting in Strasbourg, a highly symbolic place and a meeting full of promises.