News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                

August 12, 2005

CONTACT: Rev. Karen Booth

Office phone: 302-945-9650                                                            

Cell: 302-841-7869                                                                                       

Email: transcong@aol.com                                                                                    

United Methodist Ex-Gay Group Schedules Event at Lake Junaluska

Millsboro, DE – Transforming Congregations, a ministry network that promotes traditional teaching about sexuality, will hold a Prayer Breakfast on September 1 at Lake Junaluska. “Love Beyond Words: Getting from Talk to Ministry in the Struggle Over Sexuality” will feature presentations by men and women who have found freedom from homosexuality and transgender confusion and ministry leaders who will encourage local churches to get involved.

“Evangelical Christians must commit to doing ministry,” said Rev. Karen Booth, Executive Director of Transforming Congregations. “We need to learn how to reach out to those involved in sexual sin with a message of hope, forgiveness and freedom.  And we need to pledge to walk with them on their journey to healing and purity.”

Later that weekend, Junaluska will also host “Hearts on Fire,” a pro-gay conference that has caused heated controversy in the local area and across The United Methodist Church. Some critics have urged boycotting the camp, withholding funds for its operating budget or staging demonstrations outside the main gates. “Our event isn’t about protesting Junaluska’s decision or debating whether it was right or wrong,” Rev. Booth said. “Instead, it’s an opportunity for those concerned to respond in a positive and pro-active way.”

Speakers for the Prayer Breakfast include:

• Joseph Cluse and Mary Jo “MJ” Wilson. Born a man, Joseph lived several decades as “Joanna” until God freed him from transgender confusion; MJ was likewise freed from her lesbianism. Both are members of LaRoca United Methodist Church, a vibrant Anglo-Hispanic “re-start” congregation in Lexington KY.
• Matthew and Pam Thompson with “Father’s Heart Ministries” in Marston, NC. This United Methodist couple will share how overcoming same-sex attraction has impacted their marriage.
• Terrence Toon, Treasurer and Board Member of Transforming Congregations. Having lived over thirty years as a gay man, Terrence will speak about the importance of local church ministry in his healing process. He is on staff at Westgate Church in San Jose, CA, where he counsels sexual strugglers and their families.

Seating for the 8:30 AM breakfast is limited and we ask that only 1-2 people from each local church attend. Reservations can be made by phone (302-945-9650), email (transcong@aol.com) or on the Transforming Congregations website www.transformingcong.org

Since its start in California in 1988, Transforming Congregations has grown to an international, ecumenical network of 1500 individuals, churches and ministries. The national ministry educates and equips local congregations to effectively minister to those with unwanted homosexuality and gender confusion. Transforming Congregations is an approved extension ministry of the Peninsula-Delaware Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church and a member ministry of Exodus International, the largest evangelical network of former homosexuals in the world.