Antwerp – St. Andrew’s Church in Antwerp hosted a prayer service for Pride on August 9, 2025, led by Saskia Van den Kieboom. The event saw attendance from the LGBTQIA+ community, church leaders, and supporters, highlighting the church’s evolving stance on LGBTQ+ issues.
Saskia Van den Kieboom, involved with the Diocese of Antwerp on issues concerning faith and LGBTQIA+ matters, organized the service. She remarked on the church’s gradual shift towards inclusivity, noting that even the Vatican is beginning to change its position, despite widespread disagreement within the institution. Saskia emphasized that attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals differ significantly across the globe, particularly in regions like Africa where opposition remains strong. “Honest talks are needed to reduce conflict and increase understanding,” she asserted.
“There is no consensus on LGBT, not even in the Vatican. But the hardness is softening.”
Saskia acknowledged the dual role of Pride, which serves not only as a celebration but also as a protest against the discrimination faced by many in the LGBTQIA+ community. She pointed out that, while progress has been made, further efforts are necessary to achieve full acceptance.
During the service, a transgender woman shared her experiences, emphasizing the importance of the church’s openness. She highlighted the various challenges faced by transgender individuals, asserting that their rights are under increasing pressure in numerous regions. This underscores the need for the church to adopt a welcoming stance.
“I feel more and more welcome.”
She praised Antwerp Bishop Johan Bonny for his robust support of LGBTQ+ rights, reinforcing the notion that the church must be inclusive, given the declining number of churchgoers.
“There are already so many empty churches,”
she noted, sharing her personal journey of coming out as a woman in her church in Hasselt.
“I am who I am, and I’m very happy now,”
she stated.
What role does Antwerp’s St. Andrew’s play in LGBTQ+ church acceptance?
Many European churches have begun to reconsider their approach to LGBTQ+ individuals in recent years. While some church leaders advocate for greater openness, others maintain traditional beliefs. Bishop Bonny stands out as a proponent of change, believing that inclusivity may help rekindle interest in church attendance.
What is the future of LGBTQ+ inclusion in European churches?
The trajectory for LGBTQ+ inclusion within European churches is uncertain. Church leaders vary in their willingness to embrace change, but the momentum towards acceptance is gaining traction in notable congregations.
, reports 24brussels.
