Overture defends sexual orientation therapies By Paula R. Kincaid The Layman Online Wednesday, June 2, 1999 Stating that "Various overtures to the 211th General Assembly (1999) would prevent and condemn therapy that enables changes in sexual identity, desires, and behavior for individuals in conflict with their sexuality," and that "The aforementioned overtures disregard the truth that 'God alone is Lord of the conscience' (The Book of Confessions, Westminster Confession, 6.0109)," the Presbytery of Prospect Hill has overtured the GA in defense of sexual orientation conversion therapies. Overture 99-73 requests the GA to: Continue to condemn and work to prevent violence and hatred against gay and lesbian persons, while distinguishing these evils from legitimate expressions of biblical teaching against homosexual practice and legitimate efforts to treat same-sex desire. Affirm the right of those in conflict with their sexuality to freely seek noncoercive therapy for the purpose of overcoming their same-sex desire, and support such persons in their desire for psychological wholeness and personal sanctification. Oppose any attempt inside or outside the church to limit the choice of individuals in conflict with their sexuality, recognizing that "calling for repentance and supporting in the struggle toward new life" are part of the call to healing in pastoral care (Book of Order, W-6.3009). "Violence and hatred against gay and lesbian persons continues to be an inexcusable tragedy that Christians must redouble their efforts to condemn and prevent," states the overture. "We stand in solidarity with victims of hate crimes, recognizing that the biblical vision of doing justice calls for 'supporting people who seek dignity, freedom, and respect that they have been denied' and 'redressing wrongs against individuals, groups, and people in the church, in this nation, and in the whole world' (Book of Order, W-7.4002)." The overture states that allegations against conversion therapy are "inflammatory and outright misrepresentations of current therapeutic methods used in treating unwanted same-sex desire." It continues that, "According to research done in 1997, more than 200 professional therapists treating 860 individuals report 'a documented shift in respondents' sexual orientation, as well as the frequency and intensity of their homosexual thoughts and actions,' which outcomes were welcomed as positive by those who sought treatment." The overture affirms that "Anarchy in sexual relationships is a symptom of man's alienation from God his neighbors, and himself," and that "The church comes under the judgment of God and invites rejection by man when it fails to lead men and women into the full meaning of life together, or withholds the compassion of Christ from those caught in the moral confusion of our time (The Book of Confessions, Confession of 1967, 9.47)."

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