LGBTQ+ learning priority

During the year, a key learning focus within the SMC network has been the relationship between freedom of religion and belief (FORB) and rights of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression. In May, SMC released the report ‘The Relationship between FoRB and SOGIE rights’, compiled by external researchers at Oxford University.

The seminar drew 45 representatives from 11 member organisations and five Scandinavian members of the NORFORB network. Several participants highlighted the importance of the network’s continued collaborative work and learning for addressing issues of religious freedom and SOGIE rights from both ethical and theological perspectives and the legal and political perspectives emphasized in the report.

Others highlighted the need to share experiences and methods of talking respectfully about these sensitive issues in countries where human rights are severely restricted in general. Need for SMC’s continued support and facilitation was requested, in terms of methodological material.

The seminars’ input will be a continued discussion within the SMC’s reference group for learning priority. The reference group consists of representatives from all church families in the SMC network. In October the reference group presented some of its conclusions and learnings at the SMC’s annual membership conference, Heart of Mission, which focuses on issues related to holistic mission.

In November, the reference group completed its task by giving the SMC office the mandate to produce support material for conflict-sensitive and theologically reflective and respectful conversations that can be conducted on rights issues where there are strong and different opinions.