Conference on Homosexuality, Same-Sex Marriage Comes to Fresno

Conference on Homosexuality, Same-Sex Marriage Comes to Fresno; Message of Hope to be Delivered Amid Controversy and Protests

10/27/2004 11:59:00 AM

To: Assignment Desk, Daybook Editor

Contact: Christopher Norfleet of Focus on the Family, 719-548-4570 or culturalissues [at] family.org

News Advisory:

Focus on the Family will bring its international Love Won Out conference on homosexuality to the People's Church in Fresno on Saturday, Nov. 6. The conference, arriving in the midst of local controversy over same-sex marriage, will be preceded by a debate on Monday, Nov. 1, over the religious and sociological arguments for and against same-sex marriage.

"We recognize that same-sex marriage has been a controversial issue in Fresno," said Mike Haley, host of the Love Won Out conference, a former homosexual and author of the book 101 Frequently Asked Questions About Homosexuality. In response to conference protests planned by local gay organizations, Haley said, "We welcome open and honest dialogue on these issues. Yet, while many calls are made by the gay community for 'tolerance,' they are decidedly intolerant in their refusal to respect the desire of some individuals to leave homosexuality."

Monday's debate will feature Focus on the Family's Glenn Stanton, recent co-author with Dr. Bill Maier of Marriage on Trial; and Larry Patten, pastor at Fresno's Wesley United Methodist Church. It will be held on Monday evening from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in room 101 of the Industrial Technology Building of Fresno State University.

Maier, vice president and psychologist-in-residence for Focus on the Family and a former Fresno-area broadcaster, will further explore the issue during Love Won Out when he presents "Straight Thinking on Gay Marriage." This segment, a new addition to the conference lineup, will equip concerned citizens to defend traditional marriage and counter the pro-same-sex marriage arguments.

"While the subjects of homosexuality and gay marriage have become highly politicized in our culture, Love Won Out continues to promote themes of hope and redemption," Haley said. "The compelling truth of Christ's redemptive work has been, and will continue to be, the cornerstone of our message."

Love Won Out will address misconceptions about homosexuality, as well as explain how local churches can offer an appropriate, compassionate response to homosexuals.

"Our goal is that churches and individual Christians will be equipped to minister in a loving and understanding manner to those who want to leave behind their same-sex attractions," said Melissa Fryrear, a conference speaker and former lesbian.

Other conference presenters include experts in the field of homosexuality and gender identity, such as author Joseph Nicolosi, Ph.D.; college professor Dick Carpenter, Ph.D.; Alan Chambers, executive director of Exodus International; and Jane Boyer, a nurse practitioner and former lesbian. Fresno will be the 29th city visited by Love Won Out; the conference has shared its message with over 23,000 people since its inception in 1998.

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James C. Dobson, Ph.D. is a psychologist, author, radio broadcaster and founder of Focus on the Family. Founded in 1977, Focus on the Family is a nonprofit Christian organization committed to strengthening the family in the U.S. and throughout the world.