Support group for same-sex attracted Christians given charitable status
By Ruth Gledhill, Christian Today:
A support organisation for homosexual Christians who choose not to act on their sexual desires has been allowed to register as a charity.
The Charity Commission had previously turned down the application by Living Out to join the register last May. But now Living Out has been accepted after the commission carried out an internal review. This led to some of its charitable objectives being altered.
On its website, Living Out says: “We experience same-sex attraction and yet are committed to what the Bible clearly says, and what the church has always taught, about marriage and sex. We do not identify as gay Christians, preferring to use the term “same-sex attracted”.
“With friends, we’ve set up this website to articulate a perspective that is not often heard – that of men and women who are honest and open about their same-sex attraction, but who have discovered that obedience to Jesus in this area of life is fulfilling, healthy and authentic.
“We want people who experience same-sex attraction, those who self-identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transsexual (LGBT) or who are just questioning; their family and friends; their churches and pastors; and those investigating Christianity, to find here a plausible way of living out what Christians have consistently believed about marriage and sex.”
The Charity Commission said in a statement that it was was asked to review its decision not to enter Living Out onto the register of charities. “On the basis of further evidence, submissions, and revised objects adopted by Living Out, the commission was satisfied that the purpose of Living Out was for the public benefit. The commission concluded that Living Out is concerned with promoting the wider Christian principles of unconditional love, compassion, acceptance and understanding, and a welcoming place in the Christian Church for same-sex attracted individuals who wish to stay true to their Christian faith.”
See also
Tory MP hits out at charity status for Christian group, by Nick Duffy, Pink News
What conservative gay Christians want, by Dan Hitchens, Spectator
Sex, homosexuality and celibacy: why society can’t cope with Christians being Christian, by Mark Woods, Christian Today
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