Mexico City's Church of Reconciliation home for LGBT [View all]

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Although most Catholic Mexicans remain conservative, many are becoming more accepting of the LGBT community.



Reverend Alejandro Gonzalez of the Church of Reconciliation married Mario Fuentes, right, and Mario Mendez (Marcela Figueroa/Al Jazeera)

By John Holman
Yesterday

Mexico City, Mexico - The altar has fresh candles, the flowers are immaculately presented, the organ is placed discreetly to one side, while a lectern stands to the other. The reverend is putting on his raiment in the sacristy while a packed congregation waits in their Sunday best for the service to start.

It could be just about any church around the world. But at a closer look, visitors can see the Jesus icon above the altar with a large rainbow haloed around him.

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In The Church of Reconciliation, Fuentes and Mendez have finally found a place for what they consider their real wedding, although they have already officially tied the knot in a civil ceremony.

They are not allowed to hold the ceremony in the Catholic Church - of which they are both fervent adherents - especially now amid a controversial time for same-sex marriage in Mexico.

http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2016/10/mexico-city-church-reconciliation-home-lgbt-161023101559532.html