“...there is the need for those who have same sex attractions to grasp that it is not easy for those who wish to be genuinely caring yet maintain Biblical integrity without giving the impression that in doing so they are rejecting the person...”.
[Presbyterian Church, Ireland. Board of Social Witness, Social Issues and Resources Panel Pastoral guidelines – Homosexuality March 2007]
'Straignt to Jesus' Sexual and Christian conversions in the ex-gay movement
Erzen, T (2006)
Tanya Erzen's critical ethnography is fair to gays, ex-gays and ex-ex-gays (or whatever we want to call 'them'). The book provides an excellent cross section of the multiple discourses around the subject of homosexuality, healing and especially 'change'. Erzen presents data collected between 1999 and 2005 from 'New Hope' the longest standing residential programme (in the world) which encourages individuals choosing to exit homosexuality. The book is helpful in discerning the political nuances of the Christian Right's attempt to use the ex-gay movement and highlights the gap in the evangelical church for working sensitively with those who choose the right to (seek) change. I found the book invaluable.
M Davidson PhD (December 2007).
Voices
Sometimes being honest about personal homosexual struggles in the church is difficult - if not impossible. This is especially so for those with families, spouses or children. It can also be difficult for those of us who struggle with unwanted homosexual issues, to be honest in the gay community to admit that such struggles are not only unwanted, but that we want to work to change our homosexual expression or preference. Sometimes professional therapists discourage our attmpt to stay true to the bible's teaching. And sometimes we fail in our attempts to do so.
Peter Ould's journey
Mike's journey with a local church:
Share your story...
CORE Ministries seeks Christians who are open about their struggles and who are in a position to share their experience on this page. If you are interested in this initiative, please see the contact details.