By Matters India Reporter
Pune, Oct 20, 2024: More than 200 people from various regions of India spent two days in Pune, western India, to explore faith and sexuality in a Catholic environment.
The October 19-20 event at Ishvani Kendra addressed the theme, “Gender and Sexual Minorities in India: A Synodal Approach to Pastoral Care and Social Inclusion” in Pune, western India.
It was “the first of its kind in India, organized by Catholics within a Catholic environment,” said a press release issued at the end of the program.
Speakers were from the LGBT+ community, both secular and religious. They included prominent figures whose efforts are recognized by Cardinals Poola Anthony, Felipe Neri Ferrao, Oswald Gracias and Archbishops John Moolachira of Guwahati and Peter Machado of Bangalore, the press release claimed.
Over the two days, the conference saw powerful testimonies, panel discussions, and presentations from parents of rainbow children and other community members. The program’s Synodal style workshop addressed institutions—both religious and secular—to foster greater understanding and inclusivity for all who are marginalized.
The event encouraged the attendees and interested parties to help shape a future where everyone is embraced with dignity and respect.
It served as a platform for dialogue aimed at better integrating diverse identities with faith, advocating for respect and inclusion for all individuals.
Among the speakers were Chris Vella and Marianne Duddy Burke from the Global Network of Rainbow Catholics, Father Toni Kruger-Ayebazibwe, Louisa Grech, and Reverend Asir Ebenezer.
Ruby Almeida, chair of Bridge and Embrace, led a panel on “What does a place of welcome look like?” This was followed by an insightful talk on “Making Healthcare Inclusive of LGBTQIA+ in India.”