The pioneering work of an LGBT+ woman amidst the prejudices of the evangelical system
After spending years believing that her sexuality was something “evil and sinful” and becoming known nationally and internationally with her testimony as an “ex-lesbian”, 49-year-old Lanna Holder from Pernambuco has been promoting inclusion and welcoming for the LGBT+ community for 13 years. Together with her wife Rosania Rocha, she is the founder of the largest inclusive church in the country, with a sumptuous evangelical temple based in São Paulo (SP), in addition to 20 branches spread throughout Brazil with the Cidade de Refúgio Church sign.
But this denial of her sexuality and the duel between religion and divine permission are in the past, since today she is a follower of Inclusive Theology and guarantees that it is possible to live a homosexual relationship and follow the paths of the Christian gospel. “The City of Refuge goes against the system, we are resistance.”
She actively participates in favor of the queer community and is without a doubt one of the most prominent and referenced names when it comes to lesbian pastors, since the growth of her ministry has been increasingly exponential, managing to attract people outside the country who follow the live broadcasts of her services on YouTube and, also, with a church Cidade de Refúgio in Lisbon (Portugal) and a group of members who meet in Spain with plans to open a branch there.
And the couple’s innovations and commitment don’t stop there. They envision new horizons and frontiers so that their church can reach more and more people who are excluded because of their sexual orientation. “When you understand your purpose and your calling, it’s very easy to flow as a church structure,” says Lanna. 
On the path to inclusion
And speaking of news, she recently released her second book, entitled “Os 4 Ventos” (click here). An engaging and inspiring work where Lanna guides readers through a journey of spiritual renewal, wind after wind, each one a distinct level of God’s action in our lives, culminating in a prophetic destiny reserved by God for each one of us.
Anyone who has followed this woman’s pastoral ministry for many years or has just learned about it will see her commitment and desire to see more and more LGBT+ people included and considered, as well as women. This is because her church is one of the ones that gives the most opportunities and voices so that others can freely exercise their spirituality without suffering hostility because of their gender.
Artur Vieira is a Christian, gay and journalist who has worked with the LGBT+ public since 2013 on the internet with the profile @devoltaaoreino.
By Ezatamentchy
Source: Maxima
I am an experienced author and journalist with a passion for lifestyle journalism. I currently work for Buna Times, one of the leading news websites in the world. I specialize in writing stories about health, wellness, fashion, beauty, interior design, and more. My articles have been featured on major publications such as The Guardian and The Huffington Post.