Christian event sparks counter LGBTQ celebration
An event featuring two wellknown Christian speakers addressing topics of identity and sexuality, has prompted some members of Hamilton’s LGBTQ community to stage a counterevent and write a “letter of concern,” now circulating through the city.
“Confident or Confused? The Truth About Identity” is expected to encourage Christians who feel “same-sex attraction” to resist acting upon that attraction, said Jessyka Russell, speqtrum project co-ordinator.
“We are not ‘confused,’” Russell said, of the LGBTQ community. “And we’re not changing.”
Taking place Friday at FirstOntario Concert Hall from 7 to 9 p.m., it is billed as “an evening with Ravi Zacharias and Sam Allberry” and is sponsored by Redeemer University College in Ancaster and four local churches.
Zacharias is a Christian author and chair of Ravi Zacharias International Ministries.Allberry is a British pastor who speaks on issues of identity, sexuality and same-sex attraction.
Russell, a Hamilton organizer for gay empowerment, said the new evangelical Christian approach, typified by Zacharias and Allberry, is to steer away from talk of “conversion therapy,” which has been controversial, and instead “respect” those who feel same-sex attraction but “encourage them to be celibate” with respect to those desires.
“It’s just a rebranding,” she says, adding that it still characterizes same-sex behaviour as “sinful.”
“It sounds more ‘progressive,’ but it’s not love, but ‘love, but ...’ ” Russell said.
“It means you can’t be a full person; you have to try hard not to be who you are. ‘Love the sinner, hate the sin.’ That message causes deep harm.”
Josh Sieders, director marketing and communications for Redeemer University College, confirmed the event would not promote anything like conversion therapy, then limited his comments to the following statement, on behalf of Redeemer: “We believe that all people, including LGBTQ people, are equal and deserve to be treated with dignity, love and respect.
“As a faith-based institution, Redeemer regularly sponsors events, like this one, put on by stakeholder groups with an interest in exploring elements of Christian faith. This sponsorship was undertaken in partnership with several Hamilton-area churches who, like us, believe that the Christian community should have the freedom to discuss core identity, as our being is ultimately rooted in our relationship to God.”
Chris Kovac with the West Highland Church, one of the sponsors, also limited his comments to an issued statement and an explanation of the venue chosen:
“The organizers of the event believe that all people are equal and all people must be treated with dignity, love, and respect. The organizers of the event regularly sponsor events that connect to its support audiences and stakeholders. The purpose of this event is to have a theological and philosophical conversation about identity and personhood.
“The organizers of the event understand this event is designed for people to hear a Christian perspective on identity and as a way for people to ask questions and have dialogue in a mutually respectful environment.”
In response, said Russell, “there will be an LGBTQ celebration, counter to this event, at Hamilton’s city hall, with open mic performers, drag queen stories, and more. All are welcome.”
She said she’s disappointed the city is allowing a city-owned venue for such an event. Kovac said it was chosen for capacity. It holds almost 2,200; the event is sold out.
Others sponsors include New City Church, Hughson Street Baptist Church and Philpott Memorial.