A Global Movement
Rainbow Faith and Freedom is a Movement to secure inclusion and affirmation for LGBTI people around the world
Decreasing and lessening the effects of religious-based LGBTI discrimination can, and will, make changing punitive laws easier and improve the lives of LGBTI people so they can be who they are, love who they want, and find safe and accepting places to practice their faith (worship). RFF is focused on three pillars of activity to address religious-based LGBTI discrimination – faith-based resources, strategic nation-focused programming, and domestic faith-based initiatives. To learn more, visit our Pillars page.
Mission
Working to inspire faith communities and families to be safe places for LGBTI people by changing the hearts and minds of individuals around the world.
Values
Learning
We are a learning organization made up of a community committed to expanding our own hearts and minds and expanding learning through listening and engaging with others.
Respect
We will embody respect for all people, cultures, and those of all faiths, no faith and beliefs respecting diverse experiences and perspectives. We will create safe spaces for people and organizations that we work with.
Compassion
We will be a community grounded in humility, acceptance and our deep connection to create empathy. We will create a culture of joy, loving-kindness, and belonging.
Teamwork
We are a faith-based, human-centred community, which collaborates creating partnership, friendship & deep relationships. We will support each other, respect dissenting views and work together to build community.
Results
We will be results-oriented, effective and impact the world to achieve our vision. We will have an impact on communities while building loving-kindness with others.
Our History
Building a community
During his 40 years as the Senior Pastor of Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, Rev. Dr. Brent Hawkes was involved in not only building a faith community but also in numerous LGBTI human rights causes. He decided to retire so he could devote more time to this passion for LGBTI human rights.
In 2015, Brent took a three-month sabbatical, during which time he focused on global LGBTI human rights. He visited over 10 LGBTI international organizations, allied organizations and numerous individual activists in New York, Washington and Geneva, including the International Lesbian and Gay Association (ILGA) World, Human Rights Watch, ARC International, the World Council of Churches, the Global Justice Institute, the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (ILGHRC), the Council for Global Equality, Soulforce, Center for Social and Information Initiatives Action, European Forum of LGBTI Christian Groups, and Franciscans International.
On February 15th, 2018, he founded Rainbow Faith and Freedom.
Directorship Fund
Founding Patrons: Mary Lou Maher and Virginia Hatchette