Sold Out Homosexuality Conference Reveals Need

TORONTO, September 26, 2003 (LifeSiteNews.com) – Over 900 people attended Focus on the Family’s Love Won Out conference in Toronto last weekend. An issue formerly avoided by many within the Christian community, homosexuality is now a topic that Canadians are eager and desperate to learn more about. “We are screaming for understanding,” one attendee commented.  “This seminar is the first time I have ever heard a straightforward Christian response to this most difficult time in Christian history”.  Attendees came from British Columbia, Alberta, New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec and 12 states to hear former homosexuals tell their stories while presenting the truth about homosexuality and how we must compassionately respond.  A session entitled, “Teaching Captivity? Addressing the Pro-Gay Agenda in Your Canadian School,” by Focus Canada VP Derek Rogusky, was the most highly attended breakout session on record in the history of Love Won Out.  Topics addressed included Male and Female Homosexuality, Understanding Pro-Gay Theology, Q&A on Lesbianism, Reaching the Homosexual, and a Compassionate Response to a Gay Loved One.  “I expected hate and homophobia,” said one gay attendee from Ontario.  “Your compassion and frank, honest love moved me to the brink of tears again and again.”“Clearly people have felt the challenge of homosexuality in their families, churches, workplaces and society at large,” commented Focus on the Family president Darrel Reid.  “They have a real desire for information, understanding and perspective in addressing this timely issue.”  At the conference’s conclusion, individuals received prayer and counseling. The 20 protestors outside couldn’t impede the events taking place inside Churchill Heights Baptist Church.  One attendee expressed how much the conference impacted her.  “I am a lesbian,” she said, “but I am now choosing to leave homosexuality. Thank you for giving me hope.”  The overwhelming success of the very first Canadian Love Won Out conference will certainly not be the last.  Plans are currently underway for a Vancouver conference in the spring of 2004.