The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have backtracked after warning they would cancel a General Synod fringe event on sexuality and the proposed conversion therapy ban.
The event, titled People Change: Sexual Identity Transformation, is due to take place during this year's General Synod in York, which begins on Friday. It will explore how the Government's proposed conversion therapy legislation could affect Christians, pastoral care and freedom of speech.
The fringe meeting features Matthew Grech, who was acquitted earlier this year after being prosecuted under Malta's conversion therapy law for sharing his Christian testimony, alongside Dr Mike Davidson, chairman of the International Foundation for Therapeutic and Counselling Choice (IFTCC), and Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre.
Concerns were raised by campaigners and by a social media post from General Synod member Rev Dr Charlie Bączyk-Bell on 27 June, who described the event as "trash" and said it was "genuinely disgusting and astonishing" that it had been given space.
According to the Christian Legal Centre, this prompted a letter from Most Rev Sarah Mullally and Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, warning that the event could be cancelled.
Organisers say the event will highlight "neglected stories of the power of God to transform sexual identity" and examine whether proposed legislation could criminalise consensual conversations, prayer and pastoral support.
General Synod member Rebecca Hunt, who is hosting the event, rejected suggestions that it posed any safeguarding concerns. "The concerns raised are serious because they relate to weighty truths expressed in scripture that pertain to matters of salvation," she said.
She added: "The Living in Love and Faith process did not result in any changes to the Church's doctrine. The Church's teaching... is that sexual intimacy is reserved for one man, one woman marriage alone."
Addressing concerns over conversion therapy, Hunt said: "Neither Michael Davidson nor Matthew Grech underwent this kind of prayer, but both experienced positive, beneficial change. There is a great need for the Church to understand what kinds of pastoral support and counselling are helpful."
Critics of the Government's proposed Conversion Practices Bill have warned it could criminalise ordinary conversations about faith, sexuality and gender.
In 2021, the Government said the term "conversion therapy" is used to "refer to any efforts to change, modify or suppress a person's sexual orientation or gender identity regardless of whether it takes place in a healthcare, religious or other setting".
The Evangelical Alliance has said existing laws already provide "significant protections" against the kinds of abuses the Government is seeking to address.
Hunt said: "Given the extremely broad definitions of conversion therapy... it would be foolish to assume that every possible form of support is harmful or a safeguarding risk, not least when even preaching the Church's own doctrine on sex and marriage is sometimes labelled 'conversion therapy'."
She added that cancelling the event would only have reinforced the need for it.
Meanwhile, Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, described the initial intervention as deeply concerning. She argued that threatening cancellation after criticism on social media "gives the clear impression that intimidation and activist pressure are being allowed to dictate what Christians may hear, say and discuss at General Synod".
The Church of England confirmed the event itself would now be allowed to proceed, but without the planned exhibition stand.
A spokesperson said: “A General Synod member has applied to host a Synod fringe meeting and related public display on ‘sexual identity transformation’ at the forthcoming General Synod meeting at the University of York. The organiser has made clear both will challenge the principles of a ban on conversion practices.
"Following careful consideration The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York have informed the Synod member that their fringe meeting, as a private discussion for Synod members and invited guests, may go ahead as planned but have declined permission for the associated stand and public display.
"In 2017 the General Synod voted, by a large majority, in favour of a ban on conversion practices. A publicly visible display would act as a public statement contrary to that stated position and is not appropriate in the circumstances.”
The Government has said the proposed law is intended to draw a clear distinction between criminal coercion and ordinary religious teaching or preaching on sexual ethics. It argues that practices such as forced or intensive prayer sessions intended to "cure" a person's identity would constitute abuse.
