Love Won Out conference coming to Cincinnati
Powerful insights challenge the way we reach out to those struggling with homosexuality
From, The Kentucky Citizen Digest, May/June, 2001.

On June 9, Focus on the Family is bringing to Cincinnati Love Won Out, a conference designed to help people in the Christian community learn more about extending love to homosexuals, and helping them come out of the gay lifestyle.

The conference is targeted at those who care about the growing problem of homosexuality in our society. Pastors, youth leaders, counselors, medical professionals and teachers will find its insights helpful.  Love Won Out will include sessions on the causes of homosexuality, prevention of homosexuality in children, and how parents can be instrumental in combating homosexual misinformation in schools.

Kent Ostrander, Executive Director of The Family Foundation is an enthusiastic supporter of the conference.  “We’ve heard nothing but glowing reports from those who have participated in the nine previous presentations,” he said.  “We’re privileged to have this resource so close to our state border.”

Often without the knowledge of parents, or even teachers, the affirmation of homosexuality is becoming common in public schools.  Because of this disturbing trend, Love Won Out hopes to educate parents on its dangers and possible solutions.  During one session, portions of the video, Teaching Respect For All, a production of the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network is shown.  In it, a teacher says “any force that stands in the way of [homosexuality] we have to eradicate.”

Empowering parents is essential in combating such views because among other things, parents elect school boards.  The conference teaches such skills as writing effective letters, forming coalitions, and gathering facts—important resources to parents looking for an alternative to status quo gay education policies.

Prevention is important.  Outside factors may influence children toward homosexuality, but the most important factors are family dynamics: how a mother and father relate to each other, and to their children.  In this regard, Focus on the Family is particularly sensitive to help families deal with the complexities of homosexuality.

Another important element of the conference is dispelling myths.  Experts such as Dr. Joseph Nicolosi talk about the origins of homosexuality, its environmental basis, and innate temperamental factors.

Conference attendee are especially moved by testimonies of former homosexuals.    Said one, “Anyone can give facts and figures, but if I want to learn to build a house, I go see a carpenter.”

Speakers also address the Christian community’s biblical responsibility toward homosexuality.  Too often the church has not addressed the issue effectively.  Love Won Out provides a gentle, loving rebuke, then instruction on how to reach out to homosexuals.  Love and compassion must lead the way without compromising the Bible’s clear position that homosexuality is sin.

Love Won Out is changing the minds of people like one parent who mused at the end of a recent conference.  “You gave me permission to love my child, in spite of his homosexuality, and to make it clear (to him) that his lifestyle is not what God intended,” she said.
 
 

Key Family Foundation Contacts: Kent Ostrander, Executive Director Martin Cothran, Senior Associate Policy Analyst