Office of the Bishop, Central and Eastern Europe
Strada Garibaldi, 30
Bucharest, Romania


An Open Letter to Mr. Robert Biedroń


It is with sadness that I read the comments of Mr. Robert Biedroń about Szymon Niemiec. In a time when gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the transgender community face oppression at the hands of the government and the Roman Catholic Church, it is unconscionable and unnecessary to persecute people within the GLBT community. The statements of Mr. Robert Biedroń play into the hands of the church and government by reinforcing stereotypes of a fractured and unorganized gay community that can not provide a unified front against oppression. These actions reinforce the belief that LGBT movement should not be taken seriously and undermines the critical work of standing against oppression.


As a European Union country, the guaranteed human rights include not only protection for the LGBT community, but also, the freedom of religion; when we denounce one Human Right, we denounce them all, This is exactly what the Polish government has done with its LGBT citizens. It can not be condoned that the LGBT community then does exactly the same thing, limiting the rights of others.


Mr. Robert Biedroń stated that Szymon Niemiec was strange and went against Catholicism because he holds radical beliefs, Mr. Biedroń has set himself up as the authority on belief structures and what is acceptable and unacceptable.


Throughout history the church and individuals have been against many groups, using scripture to justify oppression.


It was used to keep women silent and subservient. Society has grown to understand the role of women as equal to men.

It was used to reinforce the notice of slavery, and as a society, we now understand the possession of another human being as abhorrent.

Hitler used scripture as a tool to justify the eradication of the Jewish community and people on the margins of society. The world raged against this horrific expression of hate.

The message of Jesus was one of compassion and love. Jesus stood with the marginalized and oppressed. He took his message and ministry to the despised of his day, the poor, lepers, prostitutes and tax collectors. Jesus preached compassion and love of one's neighbors and oneself.
Jesus never called on us to be judge and jury, but instead advocated "judge not, lest ye be judged."


Historically, society has reviewed, interpreted, and understood scripture and church, in many ways, that have harmed others, caused war, and oppressed communities and nations.
Mr. Biedroń, as an activist and Christian, I do believe that while we each are free to hold our own beliefs, we should never use them to oppress and marginalize others. It is my hope that you will reconsider your actions and in the future, make room for everyone at the table.


Rev, Elder Diane Fisher, Bishop
Metropolitan Community Churches in Central and Eastern Europe