Evangelicals Warn Conversion Practices Bill Threatens Prayer and Parental Rights

Faith Facts

• Evangelicals believe prayer for spiritual guidance and healing is a foundational Christian practice protected by religious liberty.
• Christian teaching holds that parents have God-given authority to raise their children according to biblical values.
• Scripture affirms that God’s design for human identity and relationships is rooted in His created order.

The United Kingdom government claims its proposed Conversion Practices Bill will shield LGBT individuals from harm. Critics within the evangelical community say the legislation’s language is so broad that it risks criminalizing ordinary Christian prayer and pastoral care.

The Evangelical Alliance’s UK director has publicly cautioned that the current wording could also erode parental rights. Parents who seek biblical counsel for their children may face legal consequences under the proposed statute.

“The current wording could undermine parental rights and put Christian prayer and pastoral care at risk,” the director stated.

Supporters of the bill insist it targets only coercive or abusive practices. Evangelical leaders respond that the absence of clear exemptions for prayer and family guidance leaves too much room for misinterpretation by authorities.

Churches across Britain are urging lawmakers to add explicit protections for religious expression before the legislation advances. They argue that freedom of worship and parental responsibility must remain secure under any new statute.

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