The European Forum of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Christian Groups has today sent a letter to Pope Benedict XVI asking for true respect of the human rights and the personal integrity of LGBT people.

They forum appealed to the Pope for a clear statement against homophobic violence and any pressure by religious authorities to undergo "reparative therapy", often causing harmful psychological damage.

In this letter the Catholic Church is called on to grant LGBT people the same fundamental right to get involved in a relationship with a beloved other without being afraid of negative consequences from church hierarchies.

Malta's Drachma LGBT and Drachma Parents' Groups have circulated the letter to the bishops of Malta and Gozo.

The European Forum represents 44 Christian LGBT member groups from 23 European countries, Drachma being one of them.

Originally initiated by the Polish group "Faith and Rainbow" the letter was approved by the Forum's annual general meeting in early May.

It indicates a new atmosphere within the Catholic church, where fear and desperation of LGBT people are replaced by courage and the demand for open dialogue.

The letter in full may be read in the pdf attachment.