The European Forum of Lesbian Gay Bisexual and Transgender Christian Groups (LGBT-CG), has welcomed the decision of Pope Benedict 16 to retire from his ministry and urged the new cardinals to face conclave with an inclusive outlook.

LGBT-CG represents 46 member groups from 22 European countries, and from

Anglican, Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant confessions, asked the cardinals gathering to meet in conclave to take into consideration the needs of Christians of diverse sexual orientation and identity and address the issue of homophobia based on misinterpretation of religious texts.

Co-President of the Forum Michael Brinkschröder noted that in recent years dialogue has been initiated with many bishops in the Roman Catholic Church who are prepared openly to discuss these issues. “We hope the new pontiff will permit and encourage this conversation to continue and develop, so Catholics in all their diversity may play their full part in the life of the Church,” He said.