La benedizione di una coppia di donne nella chiesa battista di Lentini. Perchè l’amore va oltre i pregiudizi
Article by Lucia Tubito published in RIFORMA, weekly magazine of the evangelical Baptist, Methodist and Waldensian churches in Italy, n.43 of 8 November 2024, page 10
On October 19 and 20, 2024, Pastor Ioana N. Ghilvaciu, president of the Evangelical Baptist women's movement of Italy (Mfeb), and Carmela Mazzarella were married civilly in the Municipality of Floridia (Syracuse), an event which was followed by the liturgical blessing at the Baptist church of Lentini (Sr). The synchronicity of the two moments, civil and religious, gave life to an event full of joy and harmony felt by both the brides and the participants.
The deputy mayor, personally committed to civil rights, said she was honored to celebrate «love that goes beyond social barriers». The Italian State has recognized the union of a couple since 2016 "different” and this recognition makes our society more civil; Even if the road is still long for the recognition of different family models, we are hopeful that time and perseverance for the "fight" for the rights of everyone will bear fruit.
The blessing service in the church of Lentini was celebrated by the pastor Gabriela Lio, who took care of the liturgy, and by Elizabeth Green who preached on the text of Genesis 9, 12-13.
"A sacred moment» to celebrate the love and commitment between Ioana and Carmela, declared Pastor Lio, in the presence of friends, relatives, of the communities of Floridia, Syracuse and Lentini, and in the presence of the Lord on whom the brides founded their union of love, testifying to faith in the Risen Christ. «Love is powerful and transforming" is "it makes a difference in the world because it is rich in different nuances, colorful but united by a single light, the light of God, bearer of truth, equality, inclusion, hope, justice and peace, challenging gender stereotypes and religious hypocrisy (...). Rejoice Ioana and Carmela, because the love of God is revealed in you!".
The shades of different colors of the rainbow was the theme of the union of the new brides, and each person invited wore a colorful accessory to wish the couple a new beginning.
The joyful party ended with an explosion of music, harmony, good food and lots of dancing that involved everyone.
The union of Ioana and Carmela is the expression of love that goes beyond any prejudice, which strengthens the nonviolent struggle for gender equality and the rights of all, and encourages other couples who wish to live their love in the light of sun with the blessing of Christ and his Church.
"I am sure that if Jesus the Son of God, the nonconformist par excellence, the one who embodied pure Love, had lived in this time he would have been happy to rejoice and celebrate the love of Ioana and Carmela with us. Best wishes dear sisters, may the Holy Spirit be your guide and daily support for all the time that the Lord will allow you to live together!".
