Asian Faith Communities Against Conversion Therapy
English:
I am reaching out to invite you to sign a special petition from inclusive churches to stand against conversion therapy and similar practices.
Our representation alone is not enough and this is why we need your help to sign this petition. We want to bring global attention to this area and expand your unique ministries, beyond Christianity and across all faiths to support the LGBTQ community and more.
Sign form here:
Why?
Although progress in civil rights for the LGBTQ has been impressive in European countries and North America, the momentum for Asia is still catching up. A recently published report by Outright International points out the challenges and the spread of conversion therapy and related practices in Asia. These include but not limited to marriages of convenience and involuntary sexual encounters. (https://www.outrightinternational.org/content/pioneering-report-exposes-global-reach-so-called-conversion-therapy)
Differences in culture, values and the lack of funding in this area contribute to the difficulty in bringing an effective dialogue and academic research. Hard evidence is needed to convince state actors and the general public in Asia that conversion therapy is unscientific and abusing public health resources.
The Asian public retains a strong perception that LGBTQ is a behavior that requires correction. They are not aware of the irreparable harm conversion therapy has done to our community.
To bring attention to this topic, we need more countries and LGBTQ communities like yours to recognize this problem.
Why the faith community?
The strongest opposition running these programs and influencing public opinions are conservative Christian groups. Scripture is being used to frame the LGBTQ community in shame and justify the use of conversion therapy.
Not only is this a narrow reading of the Christian faith, but it also strays far from the message of peace and respect that many mature religions embrace. This is where the interfaith movement can shine and advocate for the common values of all inclusive faiths built on the foundations of justice, peace, and equality.
We have the power and every right to recognize the diversity and beauty of ourselves and all others who are oppressed and afraid to proclaim their own identity.
Transform the use of scriptures and teachings from a tool to attack others into words that encourage true faith, love, and justice to grow inside and around us.
Mould a new generation of inclusive faith identity in Asia. Just like we embrace our diverse identities, the world needs to hear your voice and recognize that not all Christians think alike. Similarly, no single perspective can represent the whole religion regardless of the faith we pursue.
This is the culture with which we lead the world.
Next steps
BMCC has been in contact with the head of Advocacy, Sam Brinton at TREVOR Project in USA and this petition will be used to present his findings to the United Nations near the end of this year. Trevor Project has been supporting many initiatives to outlaw conversion therapy in the States. Sam is eager to learn about our challenges in Asia and see how the global community can help.
BMCC will personally invite all signing organizations and churches to a conference call on September 23rd Monday 8pm to 9pm Hong Kong time.
Signed Organizations:
China, Beijing, fellowship
China, Shenzhen, fellowship
Hong Kong, Blessed Ministry Community Church 基恩之家
Hong Kong, Society of True Light 真光社
Hong Kong, Student Christian Movement 香港基督徒學生運動
Hong Kong, Planet Ally
Hong Kong, Queer Theology Academy
Taiwan, Hesed Association 台灣好世協會
Taiwan, Tong-Kwang Light House Presbyterian Church 同光同志長老教會
Taiwan, True Light Gospel Church 真光福音教會
Philippines, Open Table Metropolitan Community Church
Philippines, Baguio City Northern Sanctuary MCC
Singapore, Free Community Church
Malaysia, Good Samaritan Kuala Lumpur GSKL
Myanmar, Colors Rainbow
Delhi, India, The Queer Muslim Project
Geneva Switzerland, Global Interfaith Network GIN-SSOGIE
