Gabriele Mayer, Rainbow Pilgrims of Faith:

I was very surprised that a church-connected Korean leadership (Joint Task Force for Pastor Lee Dong-Hwan on Trial for LGBTQ+ Friendly Ministry) was addressing that theme in a global and human rights context. Doing such research, most conferences are connected to ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association) and other queer organizations. What a courage to organize such a global conference in a country where many churches are complicit or silent or even promote hate against queer people. Speaking out can destroy one’s pastoral career, one’s professional future as a student of theology and one’s mental wellbeing when being exposed to ongoing attacks from right wing Christian „siblings“. I am thinking of and missing late Rev. LIM Bora, formerly PROK, whose birthday was recently. For background information provided by the organizers when requesting international speakers see DOAM homepage.

The conference brought together global perspectives, insights from Human Rights and UN expertise (the very passionate speech of former UN rapporteur Bielefeldt), from churches in Canada, UK, Germany and Japan. But first and foremost we listened to the legal situation in South Korea. I was impressed by the resilience for the long journeys of the Presbyterian partner from Canada and the Methodist Church of the UK. And I was moved by Reina’s courage from Japan to speak out and to share her personal experiences. (See below)

I was approached to offer a presentation at the conference on a very short notice. Now it was my turn to deal with my own nervousness what and how to share from a German perspective. What historical information, which sharing of struggles might be helpful for the Korean context? On one hand it was important to me to share that in Germany the queer movement was fighting its way back into freedom after the disastrous laws of National Socialism. On the other hand, de-criminalization (1989, result of reunification) and de-pathologizing (1975) were important milestones in slowly changing the mindset of doctors, lawyers, and society.

And the churches? An overview on initiatives within the Württemberg church and in the European Forum of Christian LGBTI+ Groups will be given on the DOAM-homepage.

UENO Reina, Director BLC, ordained minister:

In my presentation at the conference, I spoke about my journey as an openly lesbian pastor in the United Church of Christ in Japan (UCCJ). My path to ministry was marked by a deep sense of isolation in a society where faith and sexuality are rarely reconciled. Studying at Eden Theological Seminary in the United States transformed my perspective, allowing me to finally recognize the gifts that LGBTQ+ individuals bring to religious communities and giving me the courage to serve authentically in my home country.

Upon returning to Japan, I encountered significant institutional barriers and eventually found a home in a small local congregation in Iwate Prefecture, the northeast part of Japan. I consider this nothing short of miraculous, given that there are almost no other openly LGBTQ+ senior pastors in the region. Yet my ministry also exposed the painful reality of ambiguous exclusion. After being excluded from a local ecumenical group, I was shocked to discover that the broader clerical community prioritized harmony over justice. Rather than addressing the discrimination I faced, colleagues who considered themselves allies pressured me to stay silent, even telling me, “There are people who are hurt because of you!” This experience taught me how institutions often protect themselves by reframing the victim as a troublemaker who “couldn’t let things go.”

I believe it is vital to challenge the “private allyship” that avoids public risk and only whispers how much they value you in a closed space. Authentic allyship requires more than private expressions of support - it demands bold action and compassionate solidarity to advance justice in society and the church. In February 2025, my friends and I led an initiative to gather signatures for a statement of support from 37 Japanese LGBTQ+ Christians, standing up for Korean pastors who had been unjustly excommunicated. I view this as a crack in the concrete through which new life can grow.

Through this conference, I learned in detail about the severe discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies within Korean churches, and it truly breaks my heart. Yet, witnessing the resilience and solidarity among us reaffirms my hope. As a very close neighbor, I commit to standing in ongoing, visible support for the movements of LGBTQ+ individuals and their supporters within Korean churches.

Material zur International Conference on LGBTQ

Facebook-Beitrag

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

Compilation by Gabriele Mayer