The pastor behind a church leaders’ letter asking Westminster to rethink plans for a conversion therapy ban is urging UK Christians to raise their concerns before the end of the week.
Revd Dr Matthew Roberts of Trinity Church York helped author the recent letter to Equalities Secretary Liz Truss which was signed by more than 2,500 Christian ministers and pastoral workers.
He is calling for “as many Christians as possible” to add their names before the UK Government’s consultation on ‘banning conversion therapy’ closes this Friday, 4 February.
Invitation
The website hosting the letter says that the letter was “signed by 2546 Christian ministers and pastoral workers” before being sent to the Secretary of State in December.
we would love as many Christians as possible to add their names to show their support for protecting ordinary church ministry
It continues: “We now invite all Christians who want to signal their support for the very serious concerns it raises to add their names”.
Revd Dr Roberts told The Christian Institute, “We were so pleased that thousands in Christian ministry and pastoral work were willing to sign our letter to the Equalities Minister on conversion therapy.
“Now we would love as many Christians as possible to add their names to show their support for protecting ordinary church ministry.”
Supported by thousands
More than 3,500 people have already responded. Signatories will not be visible online but will be provided to the Government.
Christians can also respond to the Government consultation until Friday 4 February.
Another lead signatory, Raymond Anthony Brown, recently spoke to The Christian Institute about his concerns that the proposed ban would affect preaching, prayer, pastoral care and Christian parenting.