Does Focus on the Family Promote “Gay Conversion Therapy”?

In recent years, reporters and commentators have repeatedly and regularly alleged that Focus on the Family has practiced and endorsed so-called “gay conversion therapy.”

Here are the facts.

As an unapologetically Christian organization, we believe sexuality is a gift from God designed to be stewarded according to the principles He has outlined in Scripture. As part of that understanding, we believe in and support the availability of professional counseling in matters of sexuality that is respectful, safe, ethical and responsive to the client’s values and desires.

That right of individuals to seek assistance in living within biblical guidelines is increasingly at risk, as various legislative bodies have or are attempting to criminalize such help. They do so often by citing outlandish examples—real or imagined—of unethical therapy. For the record, we at Focus do not advocate for any therapy that “requires” or promises categorical change or sexual conversion. We especially denounce any practice that shames, degrades, coerces, abuses, or insults individuals with demands to earn basic human acceptance.

God’s love guides our response to this issue. Every human possesses inherent dignity and is of immeasurable worth. Individuals with unwanted homosexual attractions or gender concerns often suffer stress, family strain, depression, anxiety, and questions that are deeply perplexing.

As such, we believe in empowering individuals for health and realistic living toward their goals. For some, this includes therapeutically investigating their sexuality and exploring faith-compatible responses for their individual situation.  Of course, we recognize that our values aren’t everyone’s values. But we believe the availability of respectful, safe, ethical counseling in matters of sexuality honors all clients by allowing them to receive meaningful help that aligns with their values.

This is an important and complex issue that cannot be reduced to simple soundbites. If you’d like to learn more about Focus on the Family’s perspective on this matter, I’d invite you to click here.

Topics: Current Events Tags: faith, homosexuality, relationships March 21, 2018 by Jim Daly with Paul Batura