SAME-SEX ATTRACTION SUPPORT GROUP AT CCSW
I distinctly remember the first day I was attracted to someone of the same sex. I was thirteen at the time. I was so confused by the attraction that I mentioned it to my parents. They calmed me down and I was convinced that I had merely imagined it.
However, I did not imagine it… I continued to struggle with same-sex attraction throughout high school. It caused me great shame and I tried to hide it from everyone as best I could. I felt isolated. This certainly did not feel like something good Christians should be struggling with.
The fact is there are many faithful Christians who do experience same-sex attraction. However, many of us feel obliged to suffer alone and in silence. For this very reason, my friend and I have recently started a ministry that seeks to minister to Christians experiencing same-sex attraction.
You may be concerned about what we believe. Same-sex attraction is one of the more controversial topics facing the church these days.
Firstly, we believe that marriage is between one man and one woman. We do not believe that it is according to God’s will to pursue a romantic relationship with someone of the same sex or to marry someone of the same sex.
Secondly, we do not believe that it is always God’s plan to heal someone completely of their same-sex attractions, although he does heal people from time to time. We all have our thorns to endure and we all suffer in our own particular way. God is gracious enough to even use our weaknesses to showcase his strength.
I used to think of my same-sex attraction as a weakness, but, although it is still a weakness, I am astonished how God is using it for his kingdom.
We currently provide a support group that meets monthly online or here at Christ Church. If you would like to find out more, feel free to send me an email at admin@reclaim.org.za. Your enquiries will be dealt with the strictest confidentiality.