Faith, Diversity, and Dialogue: My Experience at the Mozambique Consultation

Last year, I had the extraordinary opportunity to travel to Mozambique for a Faith Leaders Consultation on Human Sexuality and Gender Diversity. This consultation, held from August 26 to 29, 2024, brought together voices from across Africa and the world to tackle some of the most pressing and challenging issues facing Queer people in the church and society. It left a lasting impact on my faith, my understanding of human rights, and my commitment to ensuring these conversations continue. The consultation explored how our collective humanity can foster transformation, and how, as the church, we are called to stand in solidarity with those fighting for justice, not just in our communities but globally. I want to share some of those reflections with you, particularly about what it means to belong, and how ecumenism showed up in unexpected ways throughout this journey.

A Space for Vulnerability and Trust

From the outset, the consultation set an important tone: confidentiality and creating a judgment-free zone were paramount. We gathered with the hope that church leaders, Queer activists, and community members could engage openly and authentically in conversations often too difficult or dangerous to have in public, particularly in regions where LGBTQIA+ identities are criminalized and condemned.

As a Two-Spirited Indigenous Cree/Métis minister in The United Church of Canada, I came with my own story and journey—a story shaped by discrimination, faith, and a commitment to inclusion. I shared how my identity as a Two-Spirited person has shaped my ministry and my theology. One profound moment for me was listening to the stories of those fighting for land rights and human rights, I could not help but draw parallels to the struggles of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Mozambicans and peoples from other African countries have been displaced and marginalized, and their connection to the land severed by forces of colonization. Yet their resilience reminded me of my own ancestors’ strength and how our connection to the land is not just spiritual, but deeply political. As I listened to their stories, I reflected on the work we are called to do in Canada. Our fight for land repatriation, the recognition of Indigenous sovereignty, and the rights of marginalized communities intersect with the global struggle. What I learned in Mozambique is that our liberation is bound with one another. The work we do in our respective countries is part of a larger tapestry of justice that spans continents and cultures.

For many church leaders present, it was their first time hearing firsthand accounts from Queer individuals. I sensed a growing openness, a willingness to engage, and the beginning of relationships that I pray will continue to grow. Yet, despite this openness, there were moments of frustration. While the consultation aimed to bring both sides of the conversation to the table, I found that the voices opposing LGBTQIA+ rights and identities often fell back on the argument that “this isn’t part of our culture.” I heard multiple times that same-sex relationships and diverse gender identities were a “Western import” and had never existed in African traditions. As someone who has studied Indigenous cultures and global history, I felt this was a cop-out. Across cultures, even in pre-colonial societies, people with diverse sexual and gender identities have existed and often held roles of leadership and spiritual significance. Yet these narratives were not challenged or disrupted effectively during the consultation.

A Journey Toward Inclusivity

Despite the challenges, the consultation left me with hope. One of the most powerful moments came from hearing the testimonies of an Intersex rights activist who has fought for their right to exist within their faith communities. I had the privilege of hearing from a participant who is Intersex, who shared her journey of undergoing over 20 nonconsensual surgeries to ‘fit’ into a binary gender structure. She shared her pain, her resilience, and her unwavering belief that God made her exactly as she is—perfect, whole, and loved. It was a stark reminder of the harm that rigid gender and sexuality norms can inflict, and the transformative power of faith when it is rooted in acceptance and love.

In many ways, her story mirrored the struggles of Queer people across the globe. From Africa to Asia to North America, Queer individuals are too often forced to conform, to hide, or to live in fear of rejection or violence. But here, in this sacred space we created, we were able to share those stories, to let our experiences be heard and honored. The power of storytelling was clear: it can change minds, soften hearts, and open doors for dialogue that might not have been possible before.

Looking Forward

While the consultation was a success in many ways, it also highlighted how much work remains to be done. The conversations we started in Maputo must continue, not just at future consultations, but in churches, seminaries, and communities across Africa and the world. One of the most pressing issues raised was the need for continued education and funding for church leaders and faith communities to increase understanding of the realities of diverse genders and sexualities.

But perhaps most importantly, this consultation reminded me of the church’s unique role in shaping societal attitudes. We cannot afford to ignore the global dimensions of our faith. Our struggles in Canada are mirrored by the struggles of people around the world. Churches in Africa hold immense influence, and their stance on LGBTQIA+ rights can either perpetuate harm or bring about healing and transformation. It is my prayer that the seeds planted during this consultation will grow into something beautiful and inclusive, something that reflects the love and acceptance that Christ calls us to embody.

I left Maputo with a renewed sense of purpose, feeling both hopeful and determined. Our work as the Church, as people of faith, isn’t just local—it’s global. The fight for human rights, for gender diversity, for land and environmental justice, is one that we are all called to. We have a responsibility, not just as individuals, but as communities of faith, to engage in global struggles for justice. The road ahead is long, but the journey has begun. I am committed to walking it, and I hope you will be too.

—Rev. Shane Goldie serves as minister at St. Andrew’s United Church in Spruce Grove, Alberta. Shane and Brian Makuza, a member at St. Luke’s United Church in Toronto, attended the Faith Leaders Consultation on Human Sexuality and Gender Diversity hosted by the All Africa Theological Education by Extension Association with United Church staff.  Shane and Brian are eager to share their experiences. Please contact to connect with speakers. 

Does this blog pique your interest to participate in people-to-people opportunities with global partners? Find out more at the People in Partnership webpage or by emailing us at . Would you like to support similar consultations and on-going work? Make a donation today to the 2SLGBTQIA+ Global Solidarity Fund. 

The views contained within these blogs are personal and do not necessarily reflect those of The United Church of Canada.

We Gather in Spirit

We gather in the silence,
where words often fail,
in spaces unspoken,
we lift up the veil.

Where earth meets the heavens,
and dust greets the stars,
we remember the journey
and how far we’ve come—so far.

In the eyes of the outcast,
in the heart of the lost,
we see our reflection,
we carry our cross.

For we are the wanderers,
the ones left unseen,
but in every breath,
we are held in between.

Between sky and soil,
between flesh and soul,
we dance with the winds
that make us whole.

We are the rivers,
flowing wild and free,
not bound by the shores
of what others decree.

In the earth’s deep wisdom,
we find our name,
not man, not woman,
but the sacred flame.

We carry the stories
of those who’ve been shamed,
but love calls us home
where all are reclaimed.

For the Creator’s hand
crafted us true,
with spirit untamed,
and hearts that renew.

So rise, dear one,
like the sun from the sea,
for in this great circle,
we are meant to be.

Whole and holy,
a part of the plan,
held in the arms
of the Great I AM.

We gather in spirit,
where no walls divide,
in love, we are one—
forever alive.

—Rev. Shane Goldie