England and Wales Bishops Urge Withdrawal of Conversion Practices Bill, Citing Pastoral Care Concerns
The Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales issued a statement on November 10 calling for the withdrawal of a bill before Parliament that would ban so-called conversion practices. Archbishop John Sherrington of Liverpool spoke on behalf of the conference.
In the statement, the bishops said the bill's broad wording could place ordinary pastoral conversations, prayerful accompaniment, and conversations between parents and children under criminal risk, threatening religious freedom and family rights. The conference stressed that the Church opposes coercive or abusive practices in any form, but that legislation must be precisely drawn so that people who voluntarily seek pastoral help, and the clergy who offer it, are not treated as criminals.
The private member's bill aims to prohibit practices intended to change or suppress a person's sexual orientation or gender identity and has prompted wide public debate in Britain, with several faith groups voicing concerns. The bishops said they will continue to engage Parliament over the bill's wording.
(Source: Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales)
Source: Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: Wikimedia Commons：File:Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral at dusk (reduced grain), corrected perspective.jpg（开放授权）
