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Christian Counselors, Minneapolis Residents Oppose "Conversion Therapy" Ban
MINNEAPOLIS – Today the Minneapolis City Council voted to enact a ban on so-called “conversion therapy” for minors after holding a public meeting on the subject earlier this week. The ban is an attack on individual choice in health care as well as on the constitutional rights of therapists, patients, and families. Minneapolis’s ban could prevent mental health professionals from helping patients explore all options when addressing questions over sexual orientation and gender identity, something they should be free to do.
“Young people should have access to voluntary, compassionate, client-driven care in the field of sexual identity that pursues the goals of the patient, including living in accordance with biblical teaching on sexuality or becoming more comfortable with their biological sex,” said John Helmberger, CEO at Minnesota Family Council. “Throughout this debate, we’ve heard from men and women with moving stories of how sexual orientation change counseling helped them meet their therapeutic goals. At the end of the day, the Minneapolis City Council just outlawed a type of mental health care with no real justification.”
Nate Oyloe, a pastoral counselor, says people like him could be directly affected by this bill. “As a Minneapolis resident I was horrified to hear my city council is passing a so-called ‘conversion therapy’ ban. As a young person dealing with same sex attractions, I enjoyed the benefit of good psychotherapists and faith-based organizations to help me bring my sexuality into agreement with my faith as a Christian. I was not coerced or harmed by either, in fact I was helped greatly.”
Read the whole thing at The Family Beacon.
National Adoption Month: How Religious Freedom Makes Adoption Possible
During National Adoption Month, let’s talk about how religious freedom is crucial to making sure children find a home.
In Matthew 25, Jesus tells his followers, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Throughout its history, the church has paved the way in caring for vulnerable members of society. Among the most vulnerable members of our society are children who are awaiting families, whether because their parents have died, they have been placed for adoption, or their families are currently unable to care for them.
Children in need of families include children in foster care, as well as babies whose mothers are facing unplanned pregnancies and choose to place their child for adoption. To be pro-life is to value and cherish the life of every individual, regardless of age and regardless of place. This doesn’t end when the baby is born. Recognizing that every life has value because every person is created in the image of God shapes our attitudes toward children who are adopted or in need of adopted families, families who adopt, and biological mothers who place their child for adoption. While not every family is called to adopt, to be pro-life is to be pro-adoption.
Read the whole piece by MFC's Patience Griswold at The Family Beacon.
Dangerous Christianity: Creating a Kingdom Culture
Everybody wants to go to heaven when they die. But, if you’re a follower of Jesus, how are we supposed to live while here on earth? What are we called to be and to do? What is “Dangerous Christianity”? What does it mean to “create a kingdom culture”? This class is for any follower of Jesus Christ who is not interested in “playing church” or playing religious games. It is for the person who no longer wants to feel like a 2nd class Christian. Be prepared to be challenged. This is not for the faint of heart.
WHAT: Gospel Presentation
WHEN: 10:30 service, Sunday, November 24th
WHERE: American Reformed Church, 304 N. Fairview Dr., Luverne, Minnesota
WHO: Rev. Dale Witherington, Minnesota Family Council
Passionate about Strengthening Marriages in Your Church? Attend an Upcoming Marriage Roundtable!
Passionate about seeing marriages strengthened in your church and among your friends? Join other Marriage Champions by attending an upcoming Marriage Roundtable to be encouraged and equipped.
Marriage Roundtables are small groups of Marriage Champions from different churches. They are a place for people to regularly share what’s happening with marriage ministry in their churches and receive feedback on challenges, questions, or concerns they’re facing in their work to strengthen marriages. If you’re involved with premarital education, mentoring, couples’ small groups, marriage classes, or other marriage strengthening efforts, consider attending an upcoming Marriage Roundtable of Marriage Champions at one of the following locations.
- Thursday, December 5: Hope Lutheran Church, 5200 Emerson Ave N, Minneapolis, noon to 1:30 pm
- Thursday, December 5: River Valley Church, 12345 Portland Ave S, Burnsville, 11:30 am to 1 pm
If you’d like to attend, please RSVP to Tom at [email protected] because space is limited. Each Roundtable is limited to a dozen people to ensure everybody can participate. So, don’t wait! Let us know if you’d like to attend an upcoming Marriage Roundtable. For questions or more information email Tom or call him at 612.600.3136.
The Marriage Roundtables are sponsored by Forever Adventure, a nonprofit organization seeking to help spark a marriage movement by raising up Marriage Champions in our churches and communities.
LEAD Registration Now Open!
Register your teen early and SAVE $50!
LEAD is a project of Minnesota Family Council designed to equip the next generation. During this one-week program, teens are challenged with interactive Biblical worldview sessions, and real-world simulations to learn critical thinking, clear communication, and gain teamwork skills.
July 26th–July 31st, 2020
University of Northwestern – St. Paul
Registration: $499
Financial Aid Available
Follow LEAD on Facebook and Instagram
Support MFC When You Shop Online This Holiday Season!
Did you know that when you shop for the holidays with Amazon Smile, Amazon makes a donation to Minnesota Family Council at no cost to you?
Educating and Equipping Parents on the Transgender Trend
Get Your Copy of the Minnesota Parent Resource Guide!
The Parent Resource Guide sheds light on the consequences transgender ideas have on kids' lives, while equipping parents to play a positive role in creating a truly welcoming school community.
Responding to the transgender trend with truth and compassion starts with the Parent Resource Guide. Get your copy HERE today and invite a friend to do the same!
Click to order your copy today:
Thank you for sharing Minnesota Family Council's vision for
strong families and communities through Christ. We are grateful for your partnership with us in prayer, legislative involvement and generous donations.
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