I spoke to Revd Dr Tom Brand about his decision to spearhead a letter to the Prime Minister, representing over 1,300 churches. The letter voiced concerns over the Government’s plans to ban so-called conversion therapy and the impact this could have on supporters of real marriage. You can listen to our discussion here.
Tom, Ministry Director of the Evangelical Fellowship of Congregational Churches, shares why he felt the need to send this letter. He emphasises that the proposed legislation could criminalise the expression of traditional Christian beliefs, particularly those surrounding the lifelong union of one man and one woman.
Tom highlights the troubling use of the term ‘conversion therapy’ by activists. He says the term is now being repurposed to cast ordinary religious practice in a negative light. He points out that activists have been unable to identify coercive behaviours that aren’t already illegal, but instead seem to target those upholding man-woman marriage. This selective application threatens freedoms, potentially penalising ministers and parents for advocating conventional teachings around marriage.
Our discussion also touches on the substantial evidence supporting real marriage, as outlined in Brad Wilcox’s book, Get Married. Wilcox’s research indicates that those in lifelong, monogamous man-woman marriages experience significantly better life outcomes, from financial stability to overall happiness. The evidence emphasises the societal benefits of promoting real marriage as a public good.
C4M supports real marriage because evidence shows it leads to the best outcomes for adults and fosters the strongest foundation for the next generation. Rather than yielding to activists who seek to undermine marriage, any government truly committed to the well-being of its people should prioritise promoting real marriage as the cornerstone of a thriving society.
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