In the context of the rainbow challenges after the synod, this talk/workshop addresses the experience of synodality within the communities of sexual and gender diversity that are part of the GNRC since its founding in 2014. The talk gives the status quo and the history of the network, making grateful memory of the challenges to bring together a great diversity of groups and communities worldwide, and to promote a common path of dialogue from the base, based on listening and moved internally in communion with Rome. It analyzes how the synodal processes initiated by Pope Francis have been grounded in the rainbow communities in order to reach a consensus in the midst of their great diversity. Processes to advance at the pastoral level from the ecclesial reception of families with children with sexual and gender diversity, to the recognition of this diversity as a gift of the Spirit within the church. A gift that allows to update its own doctrine according to the new signs of the times. The speakers share the charism of the GNRC from its method of seeing, searching and acting, to accompany and inspire the work within the rainbow communities. A work of prophetic denunciation in communion with Rome, to inspire a new look at these communities and discover the deep-rooted love within them and thus achieve a pilgrimage of Hope together with the rest of the ecclesial groups in the Jubilee 2025.
Arturo Retana Lobo: microbiologist, philosopher and regional coordinator for Latin America of the GNRC. He was born in Costa Rica in 1993 and studied philosophy for four years while he was part of the seminary. He founded the community Espacio Seguro – Costa Rica (Safe space – Costa Rica) in 2019. After three years as coordinator of this community, he leaves space for other people to take the leadership and gets involved in the GNRC (Global Network of Rainbow Catholics) as regional coordinator for Latin America.
Gonzalo Vilchis: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, master’s degree in accompaniment of couples and specialized in Saint Ignatious spiritual exercises. He was Born in Mexico in 1984 and currently he works in various projects with non-governmental organizations (NGO). He has collaborated from 2019 in the community Sembrando Unidad en la Diversidad in Guadalajara (Mexico) and in the REDCAM (Catholic Rainbow Network – Mexico) in 2021. Since 2024 he works as coordinator of the regional representatives of the GNRC (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific) and participated in the organization of the IV Assembly of the GNRC in Mexico (2022).