DIALOGUE IS THE EXCHANGE OF PERCEPTIONS; it is the sharing of understandings, which, although diverse, have a common basis in humanity. In this sense, dialogue with and between religious leaders is a fundamental tool in the structuring of the world. Religious leaders influence public opinion because their viewpoints have an impact on notions of morality.
Consequently, religious dialogue on the inclusion and promotion of LGBT+ people has an influential impact on society at large; it has the power to change the course of history through alliances and commitments that safeguard human lives. Dialogue implies action. The action of these allies reconfigures religion itself, allowing it to be a space to not only think about life, but to defend life in its entirety.
Agents of faith become agents of justice, promoting human rights. some contexts, policy change, to support LGBT+ people of faith and allies.
We have interviewed ten religious leaders regarding their success stories of inclusion and dignity of LGBT+ persons in faith communities. These leaders were chosen from various religious traditions, such as Judaism, Old Catholic of the Americas, Hinduism, Methodist, Traditional African, Roman Catholic and Islam. Some of these people are part of the LGBT+ community and others are allies of the cause. The plurality of religious expression, gender identity and sexual orientation of the interviewees allowed for a diversity of answers to be collected, resulting in nine core strategies to foster dialogue between religious leaders and LGBT+ people regarding LGBT+ issues and human dignity. Read more via Global Interfaith Network