Threats of Protest Do Not Deter Love Won Out Conference

Focus on the Family
Friday, 21 June 2002

Kansas City Star Ad Today Proclaims: "Homosexuals Can Change"

Today's edition of The Kansas City Star features a full-page ad for Focus on the Family's "Love Won Out" conference which asserts the truth that changing homosexuality is possible. The pro-family organization is coming to Kansas City to host a one-day seminar designed to help concerned citizens understand the causes and prevention of homosexuality. Despite threats of protests from two groups, nearly 1,000 attendees from 16 states are registered for the Saturday event, taking place at Pleasant Valley Church in Liberty, Mo.

A coalition of local, pro-gay clergy members together with the local chapter of Soulforce, a national pro-gay religious group based in St. Louis, have threatened "direct action" against the conference, claiming that Focus on the Family is attempting to force a "cure" on gays and lesbians. In addition, Fred Phelps and followers of his Topeka-based Westboro Baptist Church will picket the "Love Won Out" conference because they do not believe that God loves and redeems homosexuals. Mr. Phelps has picketed Focus on the Family's Colorado Springs headquarters twice.

"This is another example of intolerance displayed by those who want to intimidate and silence us just because we provide another voice in the discussion of homosexuality," said Mike Haley, a "Love Won Out" conference speaker. "Ultimately, those who refuse to acknowledge that homosexually attracted men and women can change display not only a cruel disregard for those who do not want to be homosexual, but also a denial of the true power of Christ."

Haley, whose story as a former homosexual is featured in The Kansas City Star ad today, said, "I and thousands of others know firsthand that true change is possible, and we will continue to share our message of hope with those who want it. Despite attempts to discredit our message, people continue to hunger for the truth, and tomorrow will be a day of hope and healing for them."

More than 11,800 men and women have attended Focus on the Family's 16 national "Love Won Out" conferences since the event's inception in 1998 and future conferences are scheduled through 2003. A copy of Focus on the Family's ad in The Kansas City Star can be viewed at: www.lovewonout.com/kcad.

For more information, or to contact Focus on the Family, see their website at: www.family.org