I am here to say that you cannot pray away the gay. And, if you are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, you are fine just the way you are.
Unfortunately, the Southern Baptist Convention is one of the nation’s foremost promoters of so-called “ex-gay” ministries, which try to unsuccessfully change people from gay to straight – and destroy many lives in the process.
The cruel message delivered by the Southern Baptist Convention is that LGBT people are defective and less than whole. That we are sick, immoral, and sinful.
The “ex-gay” message is destructive and one of false hope. It is rejected by every mainstream medical and mental health organization in America, including the American Medical Association, the American Psychological Association, and the Academy of Pediatrics. The American Psychiatric Association says that attempts to change sexual orientation can cause “anxiety, depression, and self-destructive behavior.”
I know this to be true, because I deal with the brave survivors of such ministries. Even after they escape, they deal with the lifelong trauma and mental scars associated with trying to change a core part of their being.
And it’s not just the gay victims of such ministries. By encouraging marriage to so-called “ex-gays”, the Southern Baptist Convention is harming spouses who enter unsustainable marriages.
How many families is the Southern Baptist Convention willing to sacrifice on the altar of false family values?
While the Southern Baptist Convention cannot change people from gay-to-heterosexual – they can change their harmful anti-gay policies.
First, they need to acknowledge that we don’t live lifestyles, but whole, rich and fulfilling lives.
Second, the Southern Baptist Convention should immediately apologize for the grave harm it has caused LGBT people.
Third, it should treat LGBT people with dignity, respect, and full acceptance.
The big story from the SBC’s annual meeting is the election of Fred Luter Jr. as the denomination’s first African-American vice president. This would have been inconceivable only a generation ago. Clearly, it is only a matter of time before a gay man or woman also leads the Southern Baptist Convention.
We look forward to this day. And, it is a day I guarantee will happen sooner than many people think.
Thank You
You GO, Wayne! Hope some of those dingbats got the message.
Said well and simply true.
I’m sure your message will bring about great effect!
Thanks for being a voice for so many of us!
God Bless!
Bravo!
Wayne—Your book, “Anything but Straight,” blew to smithereens the quackery of the wingnuts. Now truthwinsout beautifully continues to expose them. And the demonstrations you organize at their meetings and speeches you give at college campuses across the country puts frosting on the cake. Their faces should be red, if that’s possible.
With all these things, you are the real impetus behind the current gay rights movement. Because of your efforts, a great many high profile people (both gay and straight) are coming out in support of gay equality. At 78, I never dreamed I’d see what is going on today.
What troubles me greatly is that our guarantee of freedom of religion apparently permits those wackos to continue their criminal practices. Can this be true? I would appreciate an authoritative answer if someone has knowledge of it.
Jerry
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
I would assume that there have already been gay presidents of the SBC, just not openly gay ones. People would be amazed at the number of secretly gay leaders and ministers in religious groups, just as in other areas of society. There is little or no consideration of this possibility because of the general denial surrounding the subject by most of the public — especially in churches. I could name names, but of course I won’t. Perhaps it’s enough to say that well-known TV personalities, as long ago as the 1950s were “closeted” gays, and their famous evangelist bosses knew it. They were aware that it had no bearing on their Christian faith, talents, or acceptability, but that the public could not accept it. More importantly, this is true in many if not most local churches. The existing policies simply encourage people to lie.
Very good article. Having grown up in the SBC, pastor in the SBC, planted a church in the SBC — this really hits home for me. I’ve also recently come out… a long a painful journey that started because of what I learned in an SBC church. You can read my blog to get the whole story… which is being updated regularly. Thanks for what you are doing!
Don’t for get al mohler’s statement about lyin’ for the lord.