Assembly neither condemns or approves sexual orientation conversion therapies By Paula R. Kincaid The Layman Online Saturday, June 26, 1999 FORT WORTH - The 211th General Assembly did not approve an Overture 99-56 from New York City Presbytery that would "strongly encourage synods, presbyteries, congregations and affiliated educational institutions, to refrain from supporting, implementing, or sponsoring therapies or ministries that attempt to alter a person's sexual orientation." In response to overture, the Assembly instead approved a statement that reads in part "... no church should insist that gay and lesbian people need therapy to change to a heterosexual orientation, nor should it inhibit or discourage those individuals who are unhappy with or confused about their sexual orientation from seeking therapy they believe would be helpful." "I appreciate the concerns on the issue," said William Dean, a member of the Assembly's National and Social Issues Committee, which recommended the response. Dean said the committee heard from experts in the field on both sides of the issue. "Our proposal is balanced, fair and pastoral in meeting the needs of each person where they are," he said. Amendment added Commissioner Gail Cullerton proposed an amendment to the response, which read, "The PCUSA affirms that medical treatment, psychological therapy and pastoral counseling should be in conformity with recognized professional standards." While one commissioner, an attorney, supported the amendment, Commissioner Esther Berg spoke against it. Stating she has a master's degree in pastoral counseling, she said, "I do a lot of counseling with women who are raped or abused, and I can't possibly meet those kind of standards." She said the standards were impossible for any pastor to meet. Nevertheless, the amendment passed 309-181-3. The assembly then adopted the amended recommendation 453-62. |
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