Two Views on Homosexuality in Charlotte on Feb. 21
One side says change is possible, lets people decide for themselves; the other denies those with unwanted same-sex attractions self-determination.
February 17, 2009
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – The debate over homosexuality's possible root causes and changeability will arrive in Charlotte on Feb. 21 with Focus on the Family's Love Won Out conference coming to town at the same time as two events sponsored by gay activist groups.
Love Won Out addresses homosexuality from a Christian perspective, and upholds the biblical truth that change is possible for those who have unwanted same sex attractions. Most of the conference's speakers used to self-identify as gay or lesbian and now identify as heterosexual – something that gay activist groups, which often espouse a "born gay" perspective, deny is even possible.
"I may not have chosen to have same-sex attractions, but I was able to make the decision to steward my sexuality according to my deeply held faith values, just as thousands of other men and women do every day" says LWO host and speaker Melissa Fryrear. "Yet gay activist groups criticize our decision to do this. How can those groups deny us our right to self-determination and still say they stand for tolerance?"
LWO speakers explain the basis for their beliefs and subsequent decision to journey out of homosexuality through Scripture, Christian counseling, scientific evidence, and their personal stories of change. "We let people make up their own minds," said Fryrear. "This is a complex and difficult issue, and it needs to be discussed with respect and compassion."
Not everyone is open to discussion, however. Protestors have tried to drown out the LWO message at past events by attempting to prevent attendee entrance to the church or by disrupting seminars, and there are already various counter-events scheduled for LWO Charlotte.
Fryrear hopes protestors will respect her right to tell her story. "Our message is for those who want to listen, and true tolerance would ensure we get a chance to speak."
The Charlotte event marks LWO's 53rd U.S./Canada conference in its 10-year history. It will be held from 8 to 5:00 p.m. at Central Church of God on 5301 Sardis Road.
About Focus on the Family
Reaching more than 220 million people in 155 nations, Focus on the Family is a Christian nonprofit organization dedicated to serving, strengthening and defending families worldwide. Founded in 1977, Focus on the Family provides practical tools, spiritual resources and emotional support to families at every stage of life. Focus on the Family is online at www.FocusOnTheFamily.com.
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