Tuesday, 25 January 2022, was indeed a
memorable day for the LGBTIQ+ community.
In an occasion that by all accounts can be deemed to be a first, a good
number of the LGBTIQ+ organisations in Malta, namely Allied Rainbow
Community (ARC), Drachma LGBTI, Drachma Parents Group, LGBTI+
Gozo, and the Malta LGBTIQ Rights Malta (MGRM) held a positive and flowing
conversation with Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Auxiliary Bishop Joseph
Galea-Curmi.
The representatives of these organisations
were able to share aspects of their life as well as their work. They talked
about the challenges they encounter but also the positive changes they have
seen in these last few years. One of the things that they spoke about was
Pride. For an indefinite period of time LGBTIQ+ persons were made to feel worthless
and shameful of their identity and themselves. They were and still are
persecuted in a significant number of countries. LGBTIQ+ persons wanted to
embrace their sexuality, they wanted to move away from the shame and move
towards self-acceptance and to be proud of who they are, and that is how Pride
came about.
These representatives also talked about the
invaluable work they conduct with Malta’s LGBTIQ+ community, the support that
is given, the awareness that is raised and the rights that they have worked
for. In this discussion with the
Bishops, the LGBTIQ+ community was exploring ways of how to make LGBTIQ+
Catholics feel more at home with the Church. The Bishops showed great
sensitivity to the needs of the LGBTIQ+ Catholics and pledged to continue
supporting a welcoming space for all.
One area of interest was the importance given
to the continued development of the human sciences and what they are showing us.
Such
data is necessary for the Church to deepen its reflection and pastoral
attitudes in the light of evidence-based research
on the LGBTIQ+ reality & their families. The representatives from LGBT+ Gozo
and MGRM passed on two such surveys which they had conducted independently.
Both bishops gladly appreciated this current information.
Archbishop Scicluna stressed that we need to
move away from the language of ideology and speaking without first stopping to
think. His main message was that we
should always keep in mind that we are talking about human persons, and that we
should therefore treat each and every person with respect and dignity, as this
is the only way to show the love of Christ.
This two-hour meeting held at the
Archbishop’s Curia in Floriana had a profound sense of synodality that was
clearly felt and expressed by all those present. One activist was so moved that
the meeting was described as a truly comforting and healing experience.
Drachma LGBTI+
Drachma Parents Group
Allied Rainbow Community – ARC
LGBTI+ Gozo
Malta LGBTIQ Rights Malta (MGRM)
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