Overview
The Coalition for Inclusive Faith in Costa Rica—spearheaded by AEI and Rainbow Faith &Freedom—aims to foster dialogue, education, and joint action among religious leaders and LGBTQ+ individuals to dismantle faith-based prejudice. Building on a 2023 diagnostic assessment, the initiative seeks to nullify harmful scriptural interpretations, bridge institutional-pastoral divides, and institutionalize inclusive practices through Mesa Común—a structured coalition of faith leaders and LGBTQ+ advocates.
By uncovering tensions between institutional dogma and compassionate pastoral care, the 2023 assessment revealed both the resilience of LGBTQI+ believers and the urgent need for transformative re-education on biblical texts. These insights have laid the groundwork for inclusive theology trainings, safe dialogue spaces, and coalition-building efforts designed to heal spiritual and institutional wounds among LGBTQI+ faith practitioners and religious leaders.
Looking ahead, the initiative aspires to normalize LGBTQI+ spiritual belonging within churches by abolishing hate speech and conversion therapy practices. Through empowering inclusive faith champions, nurturing grassroots leadership, and engaging in strategic public discourse, the project aims to shift theological narratives and societal norms—ultimately enshrining faith as a fundamental right that embraces sexual diversity.
The Impact
Diagnostic & Assessment (2023)
Conduct focus groups with church leaders, LGBTQ+ organizations, and practitioners; finalized strategic inclusion plan.
Coalition Formation (2025)
Launch Mesa Común: assemble core team, create visual identity, and initiate coalition-building with faith leaders.
Educational Programs
Biblical reinterpretation and compassionate theology trainings for pastors, families, and practitioners.
Use tools like the “Decalogue of Principles” to standardize inclusive values.
Dialogue & Engagement
Host structured dialogues and conferences, including an international inclusive-faith conference planned for October 2025.
Move the Middle strategy: focus efforts on faith communities open to change, engaging parish-level leaders.
Activities
Public Advocacy & Visibility
Launch media campaigns and public conferences to amplify inclusive faith voices within civil society.
Foster speaking panels and visible LGBTQ+ faith advocates to lead conversations.
Institutional Support & Coalition Partners
AEI, Rainbow Faith & Freedom, and allied faith leaders collaborate to shape policy, messaging, and ecumenical alignment.
Develop institutional resources and theological toolkits with coalition input.
Educational Programs
Biblical reinterpretation and compassionate theology trainings for pastors, families, and practitioners.
Use tools like the “Decalogue of Principles” to standardize inclusive values.
Continuous Engagement & Call to Action
Build participatory spaces for idea sharing; invite wider community participation and regular updates on Mesa Común progress.