We offer this public statement to stand in full, unwavering support of a ban on so called conversion practices in Northern Ireland. We cannot, in good integrity, remain silent while practices causing deep, lasting harm are framed as reflecting Christian theology and values.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus consistently moved toward the very people whom religious and political authorities pushed away. Time and again, he stood with them. He openly challenged the idea that their very existence was a threat. Following his example, we have listened closely to the stories of our friends and neighbours who survived conversion practices—and some of us carry our own survivor stories, too.

What we hear consistently are accounts of spiritual authority being weaponised and coercively misused. The fallout from these practices is devastating and undeniable. It is well-documented: severe depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and faith so shattered that many never return to a church.*

As people of faith living in a pluralistic society, we take religious liberty incredibly seriously, and we recognise the efforts made in this Bill to protect it. To be clear, the proposed legislation is not a ban on religious belief, preaching or theological discussion. The Bill explicitly distinguishes the expression of beliefs or opinions from conduct intended to change or suppress a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

But protecting religious freedom has never meant that any act driven by religious conviction should sit above the law. A religious exemption to this ban would not simply protect belief; it could create a shield for harmful practices carried out in religious settings. We believe theological discernment should remain the work of faith communities themselves, while the law retains its proper role in protecting people from harmful and coercive conduct.

The Assembly already recognises that human vulnerability does not vanish either at the threshold of the church or the moment when theology is invoked. We are asking for that same precedent to apply here. The ban must be absolute. It must apply wherever conversion practices take place—including inside churches and religious settings.

We hold this position not in spite of our Christian faith, but because of it.

As people who have studied the Scriptures, witnessed the pain of our neighbours, and reached a deeply considered conclusion, we stand firm: conversion practices must end.