Letters / Highly concerning

With reference to Pastor Rollo’s denial (Church complaint to be taken to ombudsman; Shetland News, 24 November 2022) the position of Assemblies of God churches is clear and undeniable.

“Homosexual behaviour is sin because it is contrary to God’s created order for the family and human relationships”, and that reconciliation Is possible and that change is not always easy and may require the help of others in the body of Christ, such as counsellors and pastors, as well as a supportive church fellowship”.  (https://ag.org/Beliefs/Position-Papers/Homosexuality-Marriage-and-Sexual-Identity)

That a public body could pass a public building to such an organisation, which some describe as cult, for it to conduct counselling in, now clearly outside of claimed mental health partnership with NHS Shetland, is highly concerning.

Knowing it to be very harmful, all political parties represented in the Scottish Parliament agree a ban on conversion therapy is necessary; see: https://www.holyrood.com/news/view,msps-overwhelmingly-back-gay-conversion-therapy-ban-plan

Many churches and people of faith also rightly oppose conversion therapy and other forms of spiritual abuse.

Peter Hamilton
Scalloway