PRESS RELEASE

Over the last few years—more than at any other time in human history—society has had to grapple with the complex subject of human sexuality. As individuals and institutions try to create a climate in which individuals have intrinsic value regardless of their sexual orientation, Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International has sought to be a voice of inclusion, acceptance, and affirmation, especially for those who don't conform to the rigid proscriptions of the past.

While most medical, psychological, religious, and scientific professionals have rejected so-called "conversion therapies" for LBGTQ people, Coming Out Ministries, with the tacit approval of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, continues to peddle the harmful theory that sexual identity can be changed as a result of spiritual exercise; that God's ideal for human sexuality allows for no deviation for the model established at Creation.

Studies show that the rejection and guilt related to "conversion therapies" cause LBGTQ young people to consider suicide eight times more than that of the general population; they are nearly six times more likely to suffer from depression; more than three times as likely to use illegal drugs and be at high risk of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. Because of statistics such as these, 14 states and the District of Columbia have passed legislation protecting LBGTQ youth and young people from conversion therapies provided by licensed practitioners.

Because of the psychological and emotional distress caused by conversion therapies, most Christian organizations have stopped using them, and have issued apologies to those traumatized by them. Kinship International calls on Seventh-day Adventist clergy, educators, and health professionals to admit the harm caused by conversion therapies, such as Coming Out Ministries, and instead provide homes, schools, and churches where people of all genders, races, and sexual identities are welcome. Our mission is to make that a reality. Visit our website at: SDAKinship.org.

This press release was issued in response to this letter.

Read the Spectrum article, Adventist School Creates Worry Over Sexuality-Focused Week of Prayer.