Faith Leaders Urge Northern Ireland to Protect Prayer and Counseling

Faith Facts

• Christian leaders across Northern Ireland have released an open letter calling on lawmakers to reject a proposed ban on conversion therapy.
• The letter warns that such legislation risks criminalizing prayer, pastoral counsel, and biblical teaching on sexuality.
• Supporters argue the bill undermines religious freedom and parental rights while advancing a one-sided cultural agenda.

Christian leaders in Northern Ireland are speaking out against a proposed conversion therapy ban they say threatens core freedoms of faith and family.

The open letter argues that the legislation is not neutral but targets only one direction of change.

“Conversion only seems to be a problem if it goes in one direction.”

Signers include pastors, parents, and counselors who fear the bill could criminalize prayer and biblical guidance offered to those struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction or gender confusion.

They note that secular counseling aimed at affirming LGBT identities faces no similar restrictions under the proposed law.

Advocates for the measure claim it will protect vulnerable individuals from harmful practices. Critics counter that the language is vague enough to sweep in ordinary church ministry and parental conversations.

The letter urges members of the Northern Ireland Assembly to consider the wider implications for religious liberty before advancing the bill.

Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.