Church leaders respond to attacks over conversion therapy ban concerns

Efforts to silence those with concerns over a conversion therapy ban have reached extraordinary levels in recent weeks, as LGBT activists attack church ministers who wrote to the Government over the proposals.

The church leaders had been clear that there was no place for abuse in churches. But they said that a ban could inadvertently criminalise their everyday work of prayer and pastoral care.

Activists accused those who signed the letter of abuse and harm. The leader of one LGBT charity even compared their concerns to the Holocaust.

Many of these church leaders have since explained why those attacking them are wrong to do so. Here are some of their comments:

Tom Fenning and Peter Skerratt, Pastor and Associate Pastor respectively at Beccles Baptist Church:

"Our reason for signing the letter comes from our deep concern that the current draft legislation is confusing and will, perhaps unknowingly, criminalise Christians, not least ministers and parents, who advise and support people who are seeking help to honour the Lord Jesus Christ in every area of life, including sexuality and gender.

"We do not in any way support therapy that is abusive or coercive - which is already criminalised in existing legislation.

"People ought to be protected from such mistreatment, if necessary, by a change to the law - as explicitly stated in the letter.

"It's also worth noting that it's not just Christians concerned about this draft legislation, but also other religions and interest groups."

In Lowestoft Journal.

Revd Jonathan Carter, Interim Priest-in-Charge at Christ Church Lowestoft:

"I signed the letter so that we can continue to offer the message of God's love to all without discrimination.

"The letter does not oppose a ban on gay conversion therapy, rather it calls on the government to honour its twin commitments to ban abusive and coercive practices and to protect the freedom of individuals to still receive the spiritual support they choose."

In Lowestoft Journal.

Revd David Little, Team Vicar at Loddon Reach Benefice:

"I am in favour of banning gay conversion therapy, or any other coercive technique for that matter.

"Those who read the full text of the letter will know that its signatories are certainly not supporting conversion therapy.

"They are rather expressing widespread concerns that, without further clarification, the proposed legislation could unintentionally end up criminalising key aspects of mainstream Christian belief and ministry.

"So what we are guarding against is bad legislation that hasn't been thought through and which has unwanted consequences."

In Lowestoft Journal.

Revd Andrew Silley of St John's Church in Bransholme:

"I want to make it clear I absolutely condemn abuse of any kind, and that includes gay conversion therapies.

"I'm not against banning something that's going to cause harm. My concern is that the legislation may go too far and endanger the normal ministry of the Church and some Christian parents who are just giving loving advice to people.

"We just want to make sure this is being properly thought through."

In Hull Daily Mail.

Dan Fryer, Lead Elder at Jubilee Church in Hull:

"Our concern is that the current proposals lack clarity on the definition of conversion therapy and potentially criminalise activities such as prayer which have played a key part of the Christian faith for the last 2,000 years.

"At Jubilee, we have people who are same-sex attracted but choose to remain celibate and this current proposal would limit our ability to support them through prayer and pastoral support.

"I absolutely support any legislation which prevents abuse but feel that the current proposal needs further clarification in order for it to be something that supports those at risks."

In Hull Daily Mail.

Revd Iain Clements, of Beverley Latimer Congregational Church:

"It has been suggested that those signing the letter are in favour of conversion therapy. This is untrue.

"As the letter makes clear in our church we welcome and show love to many people who have different experience and views, including same-sex attraction and forms of gender transition. We always seek to act in love, with gentleness and respect, for the good of all, and never with any form of coercion or control.

"We are however very concerned about the impact of such legislation unless it is very carefully worded to uphold freedom of speech and freedom of religion – rights which benefit the whole of society.

"In particular it is important that churches are free to continue to teach and pray with individuals who want to follow Jesus as Saviour and Lord in every area of their life."

In Hull Daily Mail.

Lancaster local church leaders joint statement:

"We signed the letter, alongside more than 2,500 ministers, in a personal capacity because of our concerns for this proposed law's potential impact.

"As the letter says, we would join with Christians across the country in describing some historic practices in this area as abuse so it is misleading to say we are against a ban on conversion therapy.

"However, it is vitally important that the Government is clear on what is to be defined as ‘conversion therapy.’ We are concerned it may be interpreted to include the teaching of traditional, orthodox Christian beliefs on marriage and relationships.

"This could have a significant impact on our day-to-day ministry of teaching the good news of Jesus Christ as outlined in the Bible, which we think is both wonderful but also challenges every person."

In Lancaster Guardian.

Statement by St Ebbe's Church, Oxford:

"Those who read the full text of the letter will know that its signatories are certainly not supporting conversion therapy.

"They are rather expressing widespread concerns that, without further clarification, the proposed legislation could unintentionally end up criminalising key aspects of mainstream Christian belief and ministry.

"We wholeheartedly affirm the immense dignity of all people, without exception, as made in God's image."

In BBC News online.