Sixty groups forming an Ibero-American Catholic LGBTQ+ network have written to Pope Francis asking for LGBTQ+ people to be directly involved in the Synod assembly next month, rather than merely “objects” of discussion. The August letter was released by the Latin American, Caribbean, and Iberian Peninsula members of the Global Network of Rainbow Catholics, which is a worldwide alliance. Expressing gratitude that allies of LGBTQ+ people will participate at the Synod assembly, the groups nonetheless make a request to the pope in direct terms (via Google Translate): “[W]e feel that we are ‘objects of study’ of the pastoral debate. In the spirit of a true pastoral conversion, we suggest a paradigm shift so that the approach to diversity goes from ‘object’ to ‘subject.’ We ask for direct representation in instances of dialogue, for we long to actively participate in official spaces, especially in the future Synod of Bishops, where our voices can be heard and our experiences shared. By allowing our participation, you would be taking a crucial step towards inclusion and reconciliation within the Catholic community, demonstrating to the world that Faith and Diversity can coexist in harmony.