Study finds Catholic Church in England & Wales has demonstrated significant progress in LGBTQ+ inclusion

A new study by an ecumenical academic coalition reveals that the Catholic Church in England & Wales has made considerable strides in LGBTQ+ inclusion and affirmation over the past five years. The Rainbow Index of Churches in Europe (RICE) report, released by the European Forum of LGBTQ+ Christian Groups, ranks the Church in England & Wales joint second among European Catholic Churches, alongside Belgium, in its welcome and affirmation of LGBTQ+ Catholics. The German Catholic Church secured the top position.

The LGBT+ Catholics Westminster Pastoral Council, a long-standing member of the European Forum, hailed the findings as evidence of the positive impact of officially recognized diocesan LGBT+ affirming ministries within England & Wales. The Church in England & Wales was rated 22nd in the overall survey of European Anglican, Orthodox, & Protestant Churches.

As reported by ICN, Martin Pendergast, Secretary of the LGBT+ Catholics Westminster Pastoral Council, stated, "This demonstrates the significant influence that the seven diocesan LGBT+ Catholic affirming ministries have had in England & Wales. The Church now has a responsibility to implement the recommendations arising from recent Synodal consultations. This includes revising its 1979 LGBT+ pastoral guidance to adopt more welcoming and inclusive language, and urging the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith to follow suit, particularly in authorizing same-gender blessings and liturgies."

The RICE report, an initiative of the European Forum of LGBTQ+ Christian Groups, assesses the inclusivity of churches towards LGBTQ+ individuals across 52 criteria, encompassing institutional equality, non-discrimination, church practices, language, and public policy. This unique index provides both LGBTQ+ individuals of faith and churches themselves with valuable insights into the ongoing process of inclusivity within European churches.

Dr. Regina Elsner, professor of Eastern Church Studies and Ecumenical Theology at the Universität of Münster, emphasized the impact of recent dialogues initiated by Pope Francis, stating, "The data we received from the churches show the great impact of the local dialogues, which have been initiated since RICE 2020 by Pope Francis with the Synodal Process. All respondents admit the increasing awareness for the diversity within the church and the encouraging effects of a growing affirmative pastoral approach. However, harmful exclusive language, double standards and alliances with right-wing actors remain a challenge all over Europe."

The European Forum of LGBTQ+ Christian Groups stressed the importance of continued progress. Misza Czerniak, Co-President of the Forum, noted, "According to the data of the EU's Fundamental Rights Agency, approximately one third of LGBTQ+ people in Europe are people of faith… This is why it is so important for us to analyse what the churches say and do to make the LGBTQ+ people feel welcome or, unfortunately, rejected… We want to convey the message: the change is taking too long."

The European Forum of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender and Intersex Christian Groups, founded in 1982, is an ecumenical organization comprising over 40 member groups from 20 European countries. It advocates for equality and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals within Christian churches and other religious bodies, promoting freedom of religion, human rights, and affirmative discourse on human sexuality.