Emmanuel christian centre, beliefs?

[Sodie]

Can anyone please enlighten me on their beliefs and teachings?

I am not familiar with them but found this:

https://www.emmanuelchurch.org.uk/

There is also an Emmanuel Christian Fellowship in Walthamstow and an Emmanuel Centre in Westminster - the latter appears to be a venue that is hired out for events, conferences, etc.

I don't know much about them, but a quick scan of the website shows that they are a member of the Evangelical Alliance, which suggests they follow those views on homosexuality (i.e. conversion to celibacy is a requirement)

I thought as much @drawingmaps my son started a new primary for year 6 picked because it was not a faith school. We are atheist, the school have now said that the school will be visiting the emmanuel centre next week for their christmas experience to learn about the true meaning of christmas. I'm really not keen on this and very tempted to keep him home.

This Emmanuel Christian Centre?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/world/2015/apr/15/gay-conversion-therapy-emmanuel-centre-speakers-claim-religious-freedom-under-attack

Raise it with staff- there are better places to visit! Any CofE church will welcome you.
There will Methodist churches that are inclusive , too.

I will be phoning tomorrow. The emmanuel centre local to us is clearly preying on poor people by offering free summer programmes with food provided, plus weekly youth club. I actually can't believe they are getting away with these views under the veil of the bible says. They say they are a member of the evangelical alliance uk and you just need to Google to see what they have to say about same sex relationships.

I don’t agree with them, @Sodie but I will stand up for a couple of things!

60 or so years ago gay relationships were illegal. 50 years ago, we had ‘don’t die of ignorance ‘.
It’s not surprising there are pockets of people who haven’t moved on. They think they have good reason for their beliefs, they aren’t being deliberately obtuse.
And the programmes with free food- local churches around the country do similar. There’s no intent to prey on people, just to minister to the need around us.
My area churches started food banks, the first ever clothes bank, advice bureaus... It’s a massive volunteer effort, often primarily funded by the same volunteers.

As I say, I don’t agree with their stance, and think there are better places your school trip could go. They aren’t badly motivated though.

Are you not keen on the Emmanuel Centre or your DS learning about a Christian Christmas? I can understand the former and it does seem a very strange choice by the school. However, the latter wouldn't bother me (I am agnostic) as long as it is part of an exploration of other faiths. Will they be visiting a mosque, synagogue, gurdwara going forward? I think it's important to open children's minds to other people religions. Religion shapes the way cultures have evolved and even the way countries are run, the impact on women and it is also the cause of most wars. It is a vital part of educational development for a child.

The 'preying on' comment is massively unreasonable.

Most faith groups run activities that are of benefit to the communities around them, eg toddler groups, food banks, debt advice.

Would you have the same reaction if your child was visiting a mosque, temple or synagogue to find out about their traditions? If not then you may need to think about your biases (eg would you Google non-Christian faiths to find out their stance on sexuality).

I wouldn't allow my children to attend anywhere that has the view that loving someone who happens to be the same sex as you is a sin. That you can receive treatment to help rid you of this attraction.
I'm happy for my children to visit somewhere to learn about other's beliefs. But this visit is for this centres christmas experience. Same as their summer programmes, their beach programmes and their youth club it is heavily about their view on christianity. Seriously would you allow your teenager to attend one of their youth projects? To be told that being gay can be cured?

I think we're talking about two different things.

Yes, I would allow my children to visit any faith group or denomination to learn about their religious festivals and celebrations on a school visit. It's a talking point for you both.

No, I would not allow my child to become a regular member of a group that espoused views contrary to mine.

You'll be known as 'that parent' if you pull your child out of the trip.

They don’t believe loving someone the same sex is a sin. They believe having sex with someone of the same sex is a sin.

If you believe the above, and are same sex attracted, you may well wish to be ‘cured’.

It’s not a random dislike, it’s a theological belief based on about 2 thousand years of teaching. To expect the whole world to change within 60 years is unreasonable.

Would you prevent your child visiting Islamic countries, the Middle East, most of Africa? In many countries homosexuality is still punishable by death.

Again, I don’t agree and there are better places to visit- you should discuss it with school especially as there will be children with same sex parents in the class.
Still, your child won’t catch hardline religion in one visit.

I don't see how "we've believed it for a long time" or "other people believe it to" are justifications. Conversion therapy is disgusting and the sooner it's illegal the better.

I've asked for this to be moved to aibu. I couldn't care less if I'm seen as that parent. I don't want my child to visit an organisation that has people believe that anything outside of sex between a man and woman is a sin. I'm shocked that people are here making excuses for them. Conversion therapy is wrong that is the truth.

Of course it's wrong, Sodie, it's cruel. I am quite shocked that there are people in this country who still believe in conversion therapy. I know it does happen in some quarters in the USA.

I agree Girahim, I just don’t think it’s that surprising that some people haven’t got there yet.

Can I ask how old you are? I grew up in a world where it wasn’t accepted at all. I think it’s a really optimistic and positive thing that now every class has same sex families without any comment or interest. It’s an incredibly fast shift in belief systems though.

To be fair, @Sodie , they also think sex outside marriage is a sin. And a load of other things no one seems to care so much about.

It’s not targeted conservatism.

I don't want my child to visit an organisation that has people believe that anything outside of sex between a man and woman is a sin

No visit to a mosque then? Or a Catholic church?

When children are shown around such places they don't have hell fire scriptures thrown at them, they just learn a little about the beliefs and look around the building.