Hi Supporters!

Amongst all the crazy news we’ve all had to endure lately about religious freedom, Israel Folau and the Australian Christian Lobby etc., I would like to share some positive news.

The Anglican Diocese of Grafton yesterday passed the following motion:

Motion 28 of 2019 Conversion Therapy 

That this Synod 

• acknowledges that all people are made in the image of God, regardless of sexuality or gender identity; 
• endorses the position of the Australian Psychological Society that “strongly opposes any approach to psychological practice or research that treats lesbians, gay men, and bi-sexual people as disordered, and any approach that attempts to change an individual’s sexual orientation;” 
• will be sensitive to, and to listen to, diverse expressions of sexuality and gender identity, and never recommend “Conversion Therapy” to anyone; and 
• calls on the government to ban the practice of “Conversion Therapy.” 

Moved: The Reverend Canon Matthew Smedley 

Seconded: The Reverend Naomi Cooke

Grafton is a coastal diocese, spreading from Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie. It is part of the province of NSW Anglican diocese. 

In his speech, Fr Matthew Smedley told the story of Stephen, who endured conversion ‘therapy’ with a counsellor who eventually referred him to Liberty Christian Ministries, a well-known LGBTQ+ Conversion group. He spoke of shame and embarrassment leading to despondency and suicidal ideation while involved in the LGBTQ+ Conversion movement.

Fr Matthew Smedley has endorsed the SOCE Survivor Statement, along with other Anglican leaders such as Reverend Tiffany Sparks and Reverend Dr John Mark Capper.

Melbourne diocese was the first to pass a very similar motion last year.

It is always heartening to hear of steps forward…particularly when they come from religious communities. This deserves recognition and is worth celebrating!

Chris Csabs