Dear Ellen, What you are doing sounds like conversion therapy, no matter how you describe it. By not allowing people to fall in love with same-sex partners, aren’t you denying them a basic human right? There is significant evidence that conversion therapy harms mental health and increases the risk of suicide. How do you reconcile these findings with your ministry’s approach? – Concerned Advocate
Dear Concerned Advocate,
Thank you for reaching out and expressing your concern. It’s an important conversation, and I want to assure you that we share many of the same concerns about the potential harms associated with conversion therapy.
Our ministry exists specifically for individuals who are dealing with unwanted same-sex attraction. The key word here is “unwanted”—this is entirely the choice of the individual. We don’t advocate that anyone should be forced to suppress or change their attractions. Rather, we provide support for Christians who, on their own, have decided that their identity in Christ is more central to their life than their sexual orientation and who have chosen to live according to the Biblical Sexual Ethic.
We respect and honor the God-given free will that each person has to make their own choices about how they live their life. Our role is not to “convert” anyone; we are here to support those who have already made a decision for themselves to pursue a particular path.
Like you, we feel a strong sense of protection and justice for the LGBTQ+ community, especially for those who have been mistreated in the name of God. Many of us in our ministry have personally experienced such mistreatment, and we are committed to fostering an environment where love, respect, and kindness are paramount, regardless of anyone’s sexual orientation.
I deeply appreciate your passionate concern for the well-being of others, and we join you in standing against any form of harm or injustice toward the LGBTQ+ community.
