Women

Some things to consider

At some point or other most people can expect to meet another person they’re attracted to. It’s an almost inevitable part of life and often seen as exciting and desirable. However, for anyone with unwanted homosexual feelings to have an attraction towards someone of the same sex can be a difficult, frustrating or even traumatic experience. In that situation we’re faced with a choice: should I ‘stay’ in this relationship or ‘go’ and not pursue it any further? To stay could mean risking things going too far emotionally or physically.

False Intimacy is a one-day conference addressing the pastoral issues faced by ministers and church leaders when helping those struggling with sexual purity, pornography use and sex addiction both within and outside the church.  A recent survey by CARE found that 97% of church leaders believe online pornography to be a serious issue within the church, but

Jesus once told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up. (Matthew 18:1) Jesus wouldn’t have had to do this unless His disciples were tempted at times to give up praying; a temptation which most of us, I’m sure, can relate to. In a hectic, sceptical world, where time is at a premium and with so many demands pressing in our lives, always praying and not giving up isn’t likely to come naturally to us.

Over the last 40 years or so, same-sex sexual relationships have become increasingly accepted in society. It’s no longer quite the taboo that it used to be for individuals to embrace a gay or lesbian identity. Even at school, it’s not uncommon for boys and girls in their early teens, even sometimes pre-teens, to “come out” and declare themselves amongst their friends to be gay. 

But how will you respond when the person wondering about their sexuality is someone you know and care about?  Maybe someone in your church?