MGRM dismayed by efforts to 'mischaracterise homosexuality'
The Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) has expressed concern at the emergence of ongoing efforts by Gordon-John Manche, pastor of an evangelical church in Malta to 'mischaracterise homosexuality' and the possible resurgence of sexual orientation change efforts (SOCE).
"SOCE has been controversial due to tensions between the values held by some faith-based organizations, on the one hand, and those held by lesbian, gay and bisexual rights organizations and professional and scientific organizations, on the other," the movement said.
"This approach to sexual orientation is often based on the belief that being gay or lesbian is a mental illness, developmental disorder or spiritual or moral defect."
It quoted studies by the American Psychological Association (2009) which stated that: "Contrary to claims of sexual orientation change advocates and practitioners, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of psychological interventions to change sexual orientation. Scientifically rigorous older studies in this area found that sexual orientation was unlikely to change due to efforts designed for this purpose. Contrary to the claims of SOCE practitioners and advocates, recent research studies do not provide evidence of sexual orientation change as the research methods are inadequate to determine the effectiveness of these interventions. At most, certain studies suggested that some individuals learned how to ignore or not act on their same-sex attractions. Yet, these studies did not indicate for whom this was possible, how long it lasted or its long-term mental health effects. Also, this result was much less likely to be true for people who started out only attracted to people of the same sex."
The MGRM said that while some LGBT individuals may seek to change their sexual orientation because of a conflict between their sexual orientation and religious beliefs, it strongly recommended that LGBT individuals as well as their parents and friends should seek licensed mental health care providers who adopt a gay affirmative approach, treating such clients by helping them explore possible life paths that address the reality of their sexual orientation, reduce the stigma associated with being gay, respect the client's religious beliefs, and consider possibilities for a religiously and spiritually meaningful and rewarding life that does not involve a denial or suppression of their sexual orientation. Yesterday, an evangelical church meeting planned for today led to an outcry on Facebook when the event promised to present personal testimonies of homosexuals who have converted "to a life of freedom from that lifestyle".
The Facebook page quickly went viral and a counter-protest was planned outside River of Love, where the Evangelical Christian community meeting takes place, to stand up against the claim that homosexuality was a "sin" "that could be changed."
The Christian community event was taken offline a few hours later because the pastor claimed it "got out of hand" by a number of angry commentators.
Today's meeting promised to present three people giving their personal testimony, "of how their lives have been turned around by the love and power of Jesus Christ, from a life of homosexuality to a life of freedom from that lifestyle".
However, as the day evolved, it remained uncertain whether these three people would still be giving their testimonies today as they were scared after yesterday's online reaction, pastor Gordon-John Manché said when contacted yesterday.
"Many who practise alternative lifestyles, who want to be tolerated by everyone, are possibly the most intolerant people in the world," the pastor, who is also a ballet dancer, accused the protestors.
"In the new testament the bible makes it very clear that adultery, lying, gossip, stealing, cheating and philandering are a sin," he said, placing homosexuality in the same category.
All those who believe the bible, he said, should believe this too.
"If I say to you I am a liar by nature, I cannot change, you would laugh at me right?"
Some people have magnified sexuality and taken it out of context, saying this was a feeling and a lifestyle and God made people this way, he said.
"But the God of the bible does not make anyone like that," he exclaimed.
He denied, however, ever "curing" homosexuality, as some were claiming, saying simply, that five people who joined the Christian group had converted after "realising the love of God".
"I am a pastor. I am a man of god. I help liars stop lying. I help adulterers stop committing adultery. Not by my power but by Christ's power," Mr Manché said.
The man, who also broadcasts programmes on Smash TV, said he does not hate anyone, including gays, because hate was a sin.
The interpretation of his feelings were divergently opposite to those sensed by the gay community and many straight people online who claimed Mr Manché was inciting homophobia by telling people they could change their ways and being homosexual was a sin.
In a statement yesterday, the National Youth Council (KNŻ) condemned the event "that sought to indicate that members of the homosexual community can somehow be 'healed' from their sexual orientation."
It recognised the challenges members of this community faced on a daily basis, and believed that implying that they can or should change their sexual orientation to lead a moral life contributes to the spread of homophobia and an 'us and them' mentality.
As things progressed during the day, however, the protest against the meeting had to be cancelled as permits were not granted for people to gather outside River of Love.
The organisers claimed they were told by the police that if anyone showed up, they would be arrested.
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Colette Farrugia Bennett
May 8th 2011, 16:45
The Pastor cannot heal Homosexuality, neither can God, because it is not a medical condition that can be healed. "Healing Homosexuality" will result in suppressed homosexual identity, and that is harmful to the identity of a person. The American Psychiatric Association, the National Association of Social Workers in America, and so many other professional organisations condemn this sort of therapy and go on to say that it is harmful to the mental health of the person, which will increase their internalised homophobia and can lead to self harm and suicide.
Do we want to give the license to this pastor to harm people in this way?
Mr Joe Xuereb
May 8th 2011, 11:41
The 'religious' COULD show some gratitude and grasp the opportunity to bring some REAL light into their deadened lives. Indeed, will keep you on your toes, unlike some failed spinner in dancing shoes. And I don't charge. But be warned - I do not promise that which doesn't exist - I'm no 'evangelist'. I don't do Jumbo(John), much less Mumbo(Matthew). Life will be infinitely tougher but at least it will feel more real. The choice is yours.
Mr Saliba Francis
May 8th 2011, 08:12
The name of the game is not defending "gay" rights. It is grasping any opportunity to attack he religious way of life.
Mr Neil Camilleri
May 8th 2011, 15:25
You mean counter attack. Religion and morality are two separate things, which is why the religious are being immoral when they choose to take the bible literally as it clearly advocates discrimination against LGBT persons.
Mr Joe Xuereb
May 8th 2011, 00:10
@Claire Cassar. Homosexuality is no more a choice than heterosexuality is a choice. Given the negatives surrounding the social phenomenon - and there are nevatives surrounding heterosexuality too - one would be crazy to willfully opt for homosexuality.
Human sexuality is very much a product of the mind, our perceptions. We are born, USUALLY, with characteristics that define our gender, male or female. I don not believe there is a sexual orientation gene as such. Using such summary definitions could create more problems than resolve them. Furthermore, if the gene 'culprit' is true, how does one explain bisexuality, a true phenomenon for people who experience life at street-level? How does one explain that men are known to get aroused by other men in an enclosed, woman-less environment like a prison, but revert to heterosexuality that is their sad lot once they are freed? What happened to the gene thing? Keeping to heterosexual men - mustn't talk too much about homosexuals, one has to respect hetero sensibilities - because sexual arousal is in the mind, and by way of debunking the 'gene' theory, how is it that two hot-bloodied hetero males may both like woman - so far, so normal - but one is a 'breasts' man and the other a 'leg' man (while a third would be a 'red-hair' man).
If one wants a loaf of bread one does not go to the florist. Likewise, if one wants info. about human sexuality one does not go to someone who forbids it unless it is within marriage, no contraceptives, under the sheets, with the lights switched off, like two missionaries always, and dirty thoughts to improve the performance definitely a no-no under pain of mortal sin. We're supposed to be enjoying this, man! No arousal, no baby after all. Technically-speaking that is.
Mr. Manche' has every right to his beliefs. But he must not be allowed to play around with young people's minds, promising them things he cannot deliver. We're talking about a god-given thing for god's sake! I mean, do you believe that god created every situation or don't you?! Take a leaf from my book. If he created me, I am grateful, ever so! I am very good like that. Maybe one day I'll thank him personally, like. Yes, even I allow myself delusional musing at times.
Mr Alan Zahra
May 7th 2011, 22:42
Science hasn't proven yet that homosexuality is something we're born with - that would mean that it's genetically inherited. Studies in homosexuality shows a lot of factors seems to be at work mainly environmental (cultural and society) and biological (hormonal and psychological) - it's still a nature vs nurture debate. Moroeover there are a lot of cases of individuals who were convinced homosexuals and changed in mid-life to heterosexuality.
Most of us had some form of homosexual attraction in our adolescence eventhough we grow up to be heterosexuals. follow this link on the American Psychological Association site to read more http://www.apa.org/topics/sexuality/orientation.aspx
Ms D Galea
May 7th 2011, 20:23
Were not the LGBT bothered about gays being referred to as criminals deserving capital punishishment by a religious (Not Christian) leader not so long ago on a Monday evening PBS program ?
Did they organise a public protest then?
Mr Kevin Cassar
May 8th 2011, 01:19
The person you mention was stating his personal opinion and was not taking any action upon it. That's the difference, and your very simple answer. I'm sure you could have arrived to it by yourself if you had dedicated a few seconds of thought.
Ms D Galea
May 10th 2011, 21:49
You are wrong, He was not stating his personal opinion but stating the beliefs of the religion he leads in this country and what is taught in his school.
Mr Mike Abbot
May 16th 2011, 22:23
just because a protest wasn't made then doesn't mean people have to shut up for ever. grow up.
Mr Anthony Girard
May 7th 2011, 18:19
@Mr. Carmel Farrugia
Pastor Manche has every right to preach the word of God. What he has no right to do is to publicly present persons claiming that God has 'healed' them from an illness that does not exist. The World Health Organisation has emphatically declared that homosexuality is NOT an illness/disease or whatever Pastor Manche and his clan choose to call it.
Mr Robert Callus
May 7th 2011, 16:58
Aside from Human Rights organisations I would like to see a statement by Medical associations. People like Manche offend the LGBT community but the major harm is towards those gays and lesbians who are not yet our of the closet, probably including people from his own community.
It must be clear that a person is born homosexual, not chooses to. And that there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, especially from a medical point of view. It is unacceptable that people grow up hating themselves for what they are because of the ignorance of others.
Ms Claire Cassar
May 7th 2011, 13:19
MGRM are merely trying to provide an objective view on the matter by protecting individuals who at the end of the day are not impinging on anyone else. What I mean is that at the end of the day being gay is not an attack on anyone or society at large for that matter, it is merely a personal choice to follow one's true inclination and love a person of the same gender. I never heard Christ or the Christian faith speak of lovebeing a wrong. What about Christ's teachings on and tolerance and understanding? So why is it wrong for someone to seek love and not to live a lie with oneself simply not to disturb the more myopic ones in our society?
Mr paul azzopardi
May 7th 2011, 14:46
Being gay is not a personal choice....gay people are born that way.
Mr Carmel Farrugia
May 7th 2011, 12:47
MGRM who are preaching tolerance seem to be the most intollerant of all. Pastor Manche has every right to hold ideas about homosexuality and express them and the members of his church have every right to express their feelings and whatever they feel happened to them through what they are saying spiritual intervention. The MGRM with their attitude are the pinnicle of the same intollerance they are preaching against.
Mr Ian Grech
May 7th 2011, 14:17
Pastor Manche has every right to hold ideas about anything, even making tea with yak milk if he likes. What he, or anyone, DOES NOT have the right to is saying that they can do something that cannot be done, and which when said promotes hatred or misconceptions about third parties. The MGRM is doing nothing wrong in by speaking out against these lies.
Mr Edward Caruana Galizia
May 7th 2011, 14:22
I think that is a big cop-out defence. Yes the Pastor can have his beliefs. So does Norman Lowell. But that doesn't mean they should act on them. One's freedom end when it limits other people's freedom.
Standing up for your rights doesn't make you intolerant.
What this Pastor has done is just make these young men dislike themselves. This alone is harmful for anyone. Standing up for them does not make one intolerant. How on Earth did you come to that conclusion?
Religion seems to make people deluded. You can't do what you like, say it s in the name of God, and get away with it. God is not your trump card to do as you please.
Ramon Casha
May 7th 2011, 15:07
It should be pointed out that MRGM did not organise the protest that was planned. Their attitude is exemplary. They are expressing concern - rightly so - because similar efforts by anti-gay communities abroad have resulted in suicides as well as violence directed against gays, even if neither was their intention.
Mr Carmel Farrugia
May 7th 2011, 17:39
"DOES NOT have the right to is saying that they can do something that cannot be done..." this is an opinion and as such should be respected as much as MGRM should respect Pastor's Manche ideas although not agreeing with them. Everybody has the right to critise other ideas, but these ideas should be respected and demonstrating and protesting against ideas only brings hate and polarisation. It had been better is nothing was said about the whole incident as it would not have been given the publicity it has now been given.
Mr William Pierce
May 7th 2011, 19:10
If you do not believe in God then do as you wish.
If you are a Christian, The Bible is quite clear. Homosexuality is a sin and Homosexuals will not inherit The Kingdom.
Simple understanding really, no need to complicate matters.
Mr Saliba Francis
May 7th 2011, 19:56
@ Mr Edward Caruana Galizia.
What exactly if this right that the MGRM is supposed to have, to stand up for, without being intolerant? Reading your comment it would appear that you believe that the MGRM has some right to oppose the self willed defection from its ranks of any homosexual who decides to abandon his "gay" life..
Mr Edward Caruana Galizia
May 8th 2011, 00:04
@ Mr Saliba
Self willed defection? What is this? International law?
People don't defect from one sexuality to another. You are born gay or straight. However, if you are born gay, then during your teens you struggle with accepting it. It is a painful struggle that often results in harming your body and your mind, sometimes having long lasting effects. Poeple who are still struggling to overcome their self loathing are vulnerable people.
Even though it was their own choice to chose to do these "liberating" courses, or whatever they are, they are still not fully aware of what it is they are depriving themselves of. Besides, it s all a joke. No one has ever nor will ever be able to become straight, the same way no one can ever become gay.
MGRM should stand up for these people because they are being lied to, brainwashed against themselves, and they aren't aware of it. They are vulnerable and open to being taken advantage of by religious conservatives who just want to prove some fairy-tale point. If this pastor had any respect and love for these men, he wouldn't be doing this to them. He clearly doesn't know the harm he has caused to them.
Either that or they weren't gay to begin with.
Mr Saliba Francis
May 9th 2011, 10:36
@EdwardCaruanaGalizia.
I did not mention any defection from homosexual to heterosexual orientation. I said defection from a "gay" mode of life, You should know the difference but since you do not show it let me spell it out without using graphic descriptions. One can remain a homosexual but s/he can refrain from actually practicing aberrant sex techniques.