You are precious in my sight: spiritual retreats

Early this year, Gay Christian Africa (GCA) in Collaboration with two local NGOs in East -Central Africa and La tenda di Gionata organized two spiritual retreats under the theme “You are Precious in my Sight” (Isaiah 43:4 ). Around 45 people participated coming from different denominations (Christians from different inclusive evangelical churches, Protestants, Catholics and Muslims), Christian leaders, and human rights activists, making the retreats incredibly rich. 

Although the tension and fear based due to security and safety reason did not miss, the guidance of local organizations and associations were more than helpful. Being on the ground allowed us to understand that queer folks do not fear only the harsh laws present in their countries. They fear the most rejection of their families, friends and religious communities as it limits their possibilities of “becoming” and surviving in society.

You are  Precious in my sight  was, on that acount, an opportunity for those who joined the retreats to share about the relationship between faith, spirituality and sexuality in their own lives. Regardless of the unfairness they continually encounter in their religious communities, a big number of participants were active members in their churches. A situation that has slowly built in them a  feeling of being unworthy of God’s love and turning their spirituality into an obstacle rather than an opportunity.

Aisha, a Muslim trans woman, shared her experience as a trans person in her mosque. Sadly, she consistently experiences discrimination in her religious community: particularly finding a place to worship, as men and women do not pray together. Sometimes she is not accepted in one or the other prayer rooms (Musalla). Fortunately, her family is very understanding and supportive which gives her the strength to believe in a God who loves her immensely despite what she is experiencing in her regligious community.

The retreats revealed that despite being protagonists of the growth and inclusion of our own churches and religions, LGBTQ persons could become disciples of an interreligious dialogue and peace. “We are from different religions but we are experiencing the same struggle: hatred, rejection and discrimination in our own churches and in society based on religions.” Said Aisha while inviting everyone to own their faith and belief as they share their personal experiences.

The ability to do something on the ground gave us an opportunity to meet people who have been following our initiatives online and those that we are in touch with us from that region. Although online spaces are considered safer and private for many, some confessed their discomfort in engaging online using their personal accounts for the reason that they can be identified and be exposed. 

In spite of that, Guy, a 24 year old young man, expressed his gratitude to Gay Christian Africa for helping him a few years ago to reconcile his faith and sexuality. He shared this, with a big smile on his face: “I was lost, desperate with an endless sense of guilt. My life didn’t have a meaning anymore because I was sure God doesn’t love me and my feelings are sins. You helped me through these hard times though it was virtual and today I feel free, loved, appreciated and deserving”. 

In many contexts, officials often use the bible or their religious beliefs to justify their positions against LGBT+ community, calling them “unnatural” and “un-African”. There is no doubt that faith and religion are the instruments fueling discrimination and hostility in Africa. It is also reported that the current rise of anti-LGBT+ sentiments pushed by Politicians and lawmakers across Africa is influenced by the far right American evangelicals.

In a context where human rights struggle to be respected or valued regardless of who you are as a person which is the case in many African countries, spirituality and faith is the only shelter to find dignity and humanity. Knowledge on how to navigate religious and spiritual conversations around “homosexuality” can help both LGBT+ people and their families to have a constructive dialogue starting at their homes.