In this time of synodality, when Pope Francis calls us to walk together and listen deeply, we find moments that touch our souls and open our hearts to a broader vision of the Church. One such moment came to life in Pune, India, through the efforts of my group Bridge and Embrace, whose focus is devoted to pastoral support for LGBT& Catholics in partnership with the Church. Together with Ishvani Kendra, a Catholic centre of missiology, research and communications, Bridge and Embrace made history with India’s first Catholic national conference on faith and sexuality, titled “Gender and Sexual Minorities in India: A Synodal Approach to Pastoral Care and Social Inclusion.” This conference wasn’t only a pioneering step—it was a shared expression of love, listening, and learning that the Church needs and yearns for as we seek to walk with all God’s people.
The three-day gathering brought together more than 250 attendees, including approximately 80 LGBT& individuals, 40 women’s religious congregations, 30 men’s religious congregations, and representatives from 40 dioceses. On the first day alone, over 300 seminarians joined to bear witness to this vital dialogue, one that was ecumenical and interreligious in scope, welcoming Catholics, allies, and faith leaders from across India.
What was deeply moving about this event was the diversity of voices and experiences shared. It is often the case that the voices of LGBT& individuals, especially those from marginalized communities, remain unheard within religious spaces. But here, members of the Hijra and Kinner communities, parents from the Sweekar support group for “rainbow children,” and other allies shared their lived experiences, challenges, and hopes. Their stories brought a depth of understanding that is only possible when people speak from the heart and are truly listened to with open minds. There were moments of laughter and healing, but also moments of pain, as some recounted how exclusion has impacted their lives. Yet, with some trepidation and ultimately with courage, they showed up to share their stories, to inspire dialogue, and to nurture hope within the Church.
It is worth underlining that the event took place in an official Catholic organisation’s venue. This is itself an important sign of dialogue.
Recognizing the groundbreaking nature of this gathering, several esteemed Church leaders extended their support. Cardinals Oswald Gracias, Felipe Neri, Anthony Poola, and Archbishops Peter Machado and John Moolachira offered greetings and blessings, acknowledging the importance of this step in nurturing a more inclusive Church. Their blessings echoed what we, as a global Church, are called to embody: a presence of Christ’s love and understanding, especially for those who have felt overlooked.
Ruby Almeida (GNRC, B&E) and Fr. Victor Sagayam Zackarias (Director at Ishvani Kendra)
The journey of building such dialogue is delicate, especially in contexts where LGBT& people may feel invisible or misunderstood. This conference shone a compassionate light on the challenges they face—some of which are often unspoken. Through synodal listening, we opened the floor not only to theological discourse but to the emotional and spiritual realities that LGBT& people experience in their faith journeys. Participants brought powerful insights, sharing how they see their own identities not as obstacles to their faith, but as integral to their relationship with God.
As I reflect on this conference, I feel a deep hope and conviction that this is only the beginning. Bridge and Embrace, along with Ishvani Kendra and all those who participated, have set a hopeful path forward for the Indian Church to continue embracing dialogue, for growth, and ultimately unity in Christ. We must continue to “shine a light,” as they so beautifully put it, and be a beacon of hope and compassion that all may see the Church as a home—a place where all belong.
In a world that often divides and judges, may we commit ourselves to walking alongside one another, celebrating the diversity of God’s creation. Let us continue to break bread together, cherishing every person as a beloved child of God, each carrying their own unique gift for the Church. This gathering has shown us that we are truly one Body, and as we accompany each other on this path, may we bear witness to Christ’s love in ways that transform hearts and renew our shared commitment to justice, dignity, and peace.
We are grateful to New Ways Minstry, GIN and Styler Mission who funded the initiative and to GNRC for the powerful support.