10-12th October, the European Forum of LGBTI+ Christian Groups organized an International Consultation on LGBTI+ Allyship and Inclusion in the Church. Around 50 people met in Amsterdam for a weekend full of networking, seminars, panels, and inspiration.

Among our guests were an Orthodox bishop, Catholic priests, theologians, journalists, two nuns, and other influential allies.

The weekend started with an introduction to religiously motivated anti-rights movements in Europe — also known as the anti-gender movement — by Gionathan Lo Mascolo from Faith in Democracy. Other sessions included topics such as “What does hate speech mean within the Church?”, “Strategies for inclusive church narratives”, “Everyday allyship in the Church”, and “Trans Inclusion – Spearing Against the Anti-Gender Movement.”

We also presented our new research report, the Rainbow Index of Churches in Europe, during the weekend. This work compares how inclusive different European churches are towards LGBTI+ people. Head over the report website to find out more.

We are really satisfied with how the event turned out and encouraged by meeting all these enthusiastic allies who are truly dedicated to working for a Church where all of us can live as our true selves.