Transformational Ministry Offers 'Counter' Conference at UMC Retreat Center
by Jim Brown
September 8, 2005
(AgapePress) - A group that reaches out to "those struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction and behavior" has provided an alternative to the homosexual activism on display over Labor Day weekend at a United Methodist retreat center in North Carolina.
The Lake Junaluska Retreat Center recently played host to a pro-homosexuality rally called "Hearts on Fire." The four-day event was sponsored by Reconciling Ministries, a group that has been urging the United Methodist Church to endorse same-sex "marriage" and the ordination of practicing homosexuals. The event attracted several hundred members and leaders of the UMC who advocate those positions.
At the same time, a group called Transforming Congregations -- which reaches out to those wishing to leave the homosexual lifestyle -- was at Lake Junaluska to offer a different message. Karen Booth, that group's executive director, says personal testimonies were part of their presentation at the center.
"We hosted the prayer breakfast in order to share our testimonies," Booth explains. "We took in four people -- male and female; two United Methodist, two not United Methodist -- who shared their testimonies of how they had been freed from homosexuality and from transgender confusion through their faith in Jesus Christ."
Booth says her group was not at Lake Junaluska to protest the "Hearts on Fire" conference, but to share the truth about the sin of homosexuality. She firmly believes the retreat center made a big mistake in hosting Reconciling Ministries.
"I think it was an unwise decision. I think it is one that backfired on Lake Junaluska," she offers. "And I frankly believe it was intentional on the part of Reconciling Ministries to choose that location to generate as much controversy as possible."
Booth adds that in her opinion the pro-homosexual event points to "continuing sexual ills" in the United Methodist Church.
Jim Brown, a regular contributor to AgapePress, is a reporter for American Family Radio News, which can be heard online.
