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Background information provided by the organizers of the „International Conference on LGBTQ+Rights and Freedom of Religion or Belief. Challenges for Korean Society in a Global Context“, Mr. CHOI Sae Yan

1. Despite the severity of these actions, public and media interest has waned. What was once regarded as a serious human rights issue is now treated largely as an internal matter of the church.

2. The Korean judiciary also tends to view such expulsions and suspensions as internal religious matters. However, these actions have direct human rights implications and should not be dismissed as mere doctrinal enforcement. State institutions must recognize and address these violations.

3. Although public forums and inter-community dialogues have occurred, the repeated expulsions have led to fatigue and stagnation. A new, energized phase of engagement is needed to shift the narrative and renew advocacy efforts.

4. Church authorities frequently assert that such disciplinary actions are rooted in theological interpretation and therefore outside secular scrutiny. Yet, recognizing LGBTQ+ dignity and offering blessings are fundamental acts of justice. Theologians and clergy must speak out against doctrinal misuse that enables discrimination and exclusion.

5. Church authorities frequently assert that such disciplinary actions are rooted in theological interpretation and therefore outside secular scrutiny. Yet, recognizing LGBTQ+ dignity and offering blessings are fundamental acts of justice. Theologians and clergy must speak out against doctrinal misuse that enables discrimination and exclusion.

I N I T I A T I V E S within the Evangelical Church in Wuerttemberg - transforming the church from within

2006 The Alliance of Church and Homosexuality was founded. (BKH)

2024 renamed into Alliance of Church & Queer (BKQ)

30 Organizations and individuals joined to develop strategies for transformation.

Allies and Queer representatives

Success:

• Installation of 2 special clergy in each church district - as contact for congregations

• Developing a manual for congregations

• Regular conversations with Bishop, open minded leaders within the Synod.

• 120 Rainbow congregations that welcome queers publicly

E U R O P E A N F O R U M O F C H R I S T I A N L G B T I + G R O U P S (EF) 

# The European Forum is an ecumenical association of LGBTI+ Christian groups in Europe.

# The European Forum aims to achieve equality and inclusion for LGBTI+ people within and through Christian churches and other religious bodies and multilateral organizations.

With over 40 member groups from more than 20 countries in Europe,

European Forum works for freedom of religion for LGBTI+ people, for human rights, for the dignity of LGBTI+ people and for an affirmative discourse on human sexuality.

EF and collaboration with WCC

# 1998 at the General Assembly of the World Council of Churches in Harare (Zimbabwe), LGBTI people of faith were welcomed officially for the first time.

# a queer EF team attended the following Assemblies: Porto Allegre, Jamaica, Busan, Karlsruhe/Germany.

# LGBTI+ people became increasingly visible

# 2013 in Busan/South Korea, organizing an official workshop. Visibility at „Madang“ and collaborating with Allies from Global North and South

# Re- installation of the WCC -Reference Group on Human Sexuality (RGHS),

# Christian LGBTI organizations and their allies closely follow the work of the RGHS.

# EF played an important coordinating role in bringing together the global coalition.

Renamed „Rainbow Pilgrims of Faith“

# Publication “Reconciliation from the Margins“

TESTIMONIES of 28 queer people from diverse denominations

WCC Assembly Karlsruhe in 10 languages by volunteer work

# Rainbow Pilgrims of Faith convenes 3times a year via online calls and collaborates with partners on all continents

# 2025 meeting with WCC representatives in Johannesburg/South Africa

# 2025 participation in the Assembly of the World Communion of Reformed Churches in Thailand