Remember * Encourage * Celebrate - A Vigil this Saturday #Vigil4Hope

Living Waters Australia (LWA), one of Australia's foremost and longest running ex-gay/conversion therapy programs, closes this Saturday with a Thanksgiving Service. At the same time a vigil (#‎Vigil4Hope) is being held at Taylor Square, Sydney, to not only remember those who have taken their own lives because of ex-gay/conversion programs but also highlight the toll faith/sexuality conflict can have on gay and lesbian people.
 

The closure of LWA is significant and worth acknowledging in a public way which is what prompted the vigil. #‎Vigil4Hope 

Ex-gay/conversion groups like LWA have claimed to have helped people struggling with"unwanted same sex attraction" and they know of no one who has been harmed but we know this is not necessarily true.
 
Participants in these 'change is possible' programs are often emotionally and psychologically damaged. They left the program with a sense of failure. It can take years to work through the trauma, grief and the impacts of years of shame and self-loathing.

The actual toll of those who have taken their own life, because of faith/sexuality conflict, can never be determined for several reasons. One being there is no box to tick that says cause of death; faith/sexuality conflict. The secrecy and shame attached to homosexuality in evangelical circles are others. If you consider that for many of these people, the acceptance or rejection of their sexual orientation has enormous consequences, including their eternal destiny, you can begin to understand the intensity of their struggle.

The thirty minute gathering on Saturday night will focus on three things.

1. Remember: Firstly a time to remember those we have lost. Lead by Anthony Venn-Brown former Assemblies of God minister, co-founder of Freedom2b and now the founder and CEO of Ambassadors and Bridge Builders International. 
2. Encourage: Also to encourage others who are still struggling in this area and give them hope. Lead by Pastor Mike Hercock marriage equality advocate and founder of the 100Revs, a group of ministers who signed an apology to the LGBT community for the way the church had treated them and marched in 2008 Mardi Gras parade. He has been involved in a wide range of inner-city ministries involving the LGBT community. 
3. Celebrate: And finally to celebrate the lives of those who have done the journey from gay shame to gay pride. Particularly ex-gay survivors. Lead by Rev Margaret Mayman, minister of Pitt Street Uniting Church. Margaret Mayman, was a prominent voice during the marriage equality debate and married Clare, her partner of 17 years, when same sex marriage was legalised in New Zealand. Rev Mayman feels for people who then often get a message that they have to choose between faith and sexuality. "It's easier to give up your faith, because your sexuality is utterly core to who you are. I've met lots of people and heard lots of stories, and I think the important thing is that people get support and they're not alone."

You can RSVP on the Facebook event page and also use that to invite friends.

Date: Saturday 12 April 2014

Time: 7:00pm to 7:30pm

Place: First Floor Stonewall Hotel 175 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst

What to bring: Candle, torch, rainbow paraphernalia

What to wear: Something yellow if you can to represent hope for a better future

Who can come: All welcome including straight allies and supporters.

We recognise that many people would love to participate in this vigil however due to various locations, are unable to attend in person. We would like to invite others to participate where they are. Please use the ‪#‎Vigil4Hope‬ in your Instagram, Twitter or Facebook updates and pictures during the time that we are meeting at Taylor Square. If you feel comfortable perhaps even share why this vigil is important or has relevance to you. 

Together we can spread the word, the love, the encouragement and acceptance to so many across the world.