We will take part at the General Assembly of the World Council of Churches (WCC) in Busan / South Korea in November 2013. We are an international delegation of the European Forum of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Christian Groups. We come from The Netherlands (Heleen), Germany (Gabriele), Lativa (Matjis) and Spain (Enric). We are supported by…
Your donation to create the Rainbow Teen Safe Space in South Korea is PRICELESS! http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/rainbow-teen-safe-space/ What is our MISSION We want to assist, care for, and empower LGBTQ Korean youth in at-risk situations, and to offer resources for their continued healthy self-development. Who are WE? We are an alliance of organizations which are devoted to…
Now when I am home memories are still fresh, and many thoughts keep crossing my mind. One of them is realization that our mission in Busan did make a difference. We made the change happen. I am very grateful to all the colleagues that made it possible against all odds in the beginning, despite all…
from Kerstin — I am back home in Germany, still jet lagged but grateful for the wonderful experiences in Busan. I also pray for our brothers and sisters in the Philipines. The storm was devastating. May God bless the victims and their families, and strengthen all who are there to help. As I look back…
From Martin: First of all, I’m just worried: Has anyone heard of Ryan, from his journey home and arrival in his country, the Philippines? We have shared a great time with him – and since the last day of the assembly we had to pray for the Philippines Because of the grave devastation caused by…
from Kerstin — After the end of the WCC 10th Assembly Heleen, Monika and I are sitting in my hotel room and share a bottle of red wine. We are discussing the highlights of our stay in Busan. Here are my results: The fruitful and responsable cooperation of our international LGBT safe space caucus The…
from Heleen III: The cooperation within the LGBT Caucus during the 10th Assembly and the WCC-preparation team of the Forum and all the activities we have been doing together. Did you read all the blogs we wrote about them? II: The support of the General Assembly to create a “Safe Space” to enter into dialogue…
From Heleen and Kerstin — What a deep joy it was to listen to Father Lapsley from South Africa, director of the Institute for Healing of Memories in Cape Town South Africa! He was holding the service at the closing prayer of the WCC 10th assembly. Father Lapsley is an Anglican priest coming from New…
from Kerstin — Paragraph 28 of the Report of the Programme Guidelines Committee was not changed during the revising work about the report by the delegates of the Business Meeting. Which means it stays as follows: “Unity and Mission 28. Being aware of divisive issues among churches, the WCC can function as a safe space…
from Kerstin — Some background information about the decision making of the WCC: The so called “Business Plenary” is the deciding body of the WCC. Only the delegates have the right to speak and vote. Unfortunately, we, the members of our LGBT safe space alliance are no delegates. But we have the right to observe…
From Kerstin — Today is the last day of the WCC. As I told you before, our LGBT safe space booth is already closed. We are now listening to the last business meeting, where all the reports and statements are discussed about and revised. It always is a struggle whether or not one or the…
Queer under the Rainbow 