Changing direction - a response from TfT

The past year or so [editor: this article was written in 2001] has seen some well known evangelical leaders tell us that Scripture does not say all homosexual sex is wrong. For some this is a belief always held, for others it represents a change of direction. The media immediately seems to take this up and suggest it questions the validity of much, so called, evangelical theology. Courage Trust's recent and well-publicised change of direction towards a cautious approval of some homosexual genital activity seems to be one such instance. It has provoked a strong reaction from many TfT members who anxiously ask for reassurance that we are not going down the same road. For example, the Big Issue magazine in May 2001 quoted the Revd Richard Kirker (the general secretary of LGCM) as saying about Courage...

"This is a very well-established pattern and TfT will be next to go the same way."

We can assure our members that this is not a road we will be taking! We share in the hurt and confusion of seeing people we have admired making statements and moral choices with which we strongly disagree. It has happened frequently in my personal relationships and through those involved in TfT's ministry. Indeed, trying to understand why and how this happens has inspired many of our articles. It also encourages us to be more careful in what we express and of course to examine what we believe and why. It sounds trite to say it's all a refining and growing process, but that must be true. I want to share below something of what I've learnt through these many situations, and to identify some of the factors I believe are often involved when people change their beliefs. Obviously each case is different, involving unique individuals and experiences, and some factors will be more relevant than others to different people. But there are lessons to be learnt for us all.

by Martin Hallett (July 2001)