Global Interfaith Network Conference - Johannesburg, South Africa

Author: Global Inter faith Network
Published: 23rd Feb 2014 - Updated: 27th Aug 2015
Peer-Reviewed Publication: N/A
Additional References: LGBT News Africa Publications

Summary: Conference participants represented a rich diversity of sexes, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions that are a part of the human family.

Main Document

We are very pleased and proud to announce the formal establishment of the Global Interfaith Network for People of all Sexes, Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities and Expressions (GINSSOGIE) following our first annual conference, held in South Africa in January 2014.

The idea for a global network of activists engaged in faith work around issues of sex, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions germinated at the 2012 International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (ILGA) World Conference in Stockholm. GIN recognizes an urgent need to eradicate the religion-based violence, criminalization and persecution of our community.

The South Africa conference gathered 68 delegates from more than 35 countries, representing a wide array of faiths and denominations. The participants represented an authentic and rich diversity of sexes, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions that are a part of the human family. Since day one, GIN has centered its leadership and organizing base in the countries where violence and bigotry are greatest, including, but not limited to, places in the Global South.

The four-day gathering focused on the pillars that ground our work: creating safe spaces, organizing skills, scriptural and academic resources, founding structures, and building a new faith-convicted and inclusive narrative in human rights arenas.

The Steering Committee, elected from a uniquely diverse membership representing many faiths and backgrounds, had this to say about the new network's purpose: "People from all over the world have worked together across cultures and faiths to give birth to a new organization and a new narrative in human rights and religion. GIN aims to create solidarity amongst our community's people of faith, to promote interfaith dialogue, and strengthen our voices within the institutions and structures that govern our lives. We seek to overcome the falsely fabricated rift between our community and faith traditions."

GIN will also provide resources, training, and collective programmes to help individuals and organisations engage in meaningful, constructive dialogue with religious leaders and advocate at the regional and international level for dignity and rights.

GIN's goals are mutual understanding, respect, inclusion and acceptance