Bishop promoted by Francis at the Transgender Visibility Day
For the first time in Italyy, a bishop takes part in a public demonstration in defense of LGBT rights.
It happened in Rimini, where Monsignor Nicolò Anselmi took part in the Transgender Visibility Day. “See you at the park” is the name of the initiative, organized by the Trans & Non-binary group of Arcigay Rimini at Parco Marecchia in the spaces of 'La Serra 100 Fiori', dedicated to promoting the visibility of the transgender community.
"We probably still have to walk, but the path that the Gospel and Jesus have shown us is that of truly welcoming everyone" declared Anselmi during the event. "It's nice to be here, it also seems right to me because God is truly the father of all. The Holy Father also reminds us of this, but Jesus also reminded us of this: "Our Father", and in this of ours we are all present. So I don't see why we shouldn't be here."
"I believe that the Church does not exclude anyone for whom there is really no reason. Of course, we probably still have to walk on these issues, but it seems to me that the path that the Gospel indicates to us - he continued - but which the Pope has also indicated to us , is to truly welcome everyone. In reality, it is I who have been welcomed here."
The Rimini Day was organized with the patronage of the Municipality and the Province of Rimini, the support of the Emilia-Romagna Region with the "Istanti" project of Aics Emilia-Romagna and the collaboration of the LGBT Anti-discrimination Center of the Municipality of Rimini.
Numerous institutional personalities took part in the initiative: Emma Petitti president of the Legislative Assembly of the Emilia Romagna Region, councilor Francesca Mattei for the Municipality of Rimini, Marco Tonti Municipal Councilor of Rimini and president of Arcigay, Viviana Neri president of AICS regional of Emilia-Romagna, followed by a fish barbecue promoted by Community 27 and a shared packed lunch and a series of creative workshops, traditional games and collateral sporting and recreational activities.
But the visit that surprised the most was undoubtedly that of Bishop Anselmi, who underlined the inclusive message and then appeared amused during some outdoor games, in the company of demonstrators of all ages.
