Landmark Settlement Over Alleged ‘Conversion Therapy’ at UK Church
A groundbreaking legal decision has been reached, awarding a five-figure sum to a gay man who reported psychological distress after undergoing an alleged ‘conversion therapy’ session at a Sheffield church.
Matthew Drapper, aged 37, volunteered at St Thomas Philadelphia church when he attended an “Encounter God Weekend” in 2014. During the event, he alleges he was told that “sexual impurity” had allowed demons to possess him.
Drapper recounts that a prayer-leading couple attempted an “exorcism” on him. The effort, however, was unsuccessful in changing his sexual orientation and instead led him to abandon Christianity, leaving him in a state of distress, including suicidal thoughts.
In an interview with The Times, Drapper described the experience as terrifying, saying, “Looking back it seems like something out of a horror movie — for someone to be standing over you saying they can see the demons leaving your body is quite terrifying. But when you are deeply tied into the church, as I was at that time, it is easy to believe anything they tell you.”
After leaving the church in 2016, Drapper filed a formal complaint in 2019. Initially, the church claimed there was “no evidence to substantiate” his accusations. Drapper then approached the Diocese of Sheffield, which prompted an independent investigation by the charity Barnado’s.
The investigation concluded last year, affirming Drapper’s account of the events. According to the report, “From the evidence available to us it is our view that the session took place as described by [Drapper] and prayers were administered with the intention of changing his sexual identity.”
As a result of the findings, Drapper pursued legal action against St Thomas Philadelphia church, culminating in an out-of-court settlement. The church compensated Drapper with a five-figure sum.
In response, St Thomas Philadelphia church issued a statement acknowledging failings in handling Drapper’s 2019 complaint but denying involvement in any form of conversion therapy. “St Thomas Philadelphia takes safeguarding, pastoral care, and spiritual wellbeing extremely seriously. The church always maintained that evidence that conversion therapy happened was unsubstantiated rather than ever denying it happened,” the statement read.
The church admitted to shortcomings in the complaint process, including a lack of thorough investigation and direct engagement with Drapper and other involved parties. “These failings meant the complaint was not dealt with in line with the standards expected of a safeguarding response, and for this, we are sorry,” the church stated.
St Thomas Philadelphia further clarified, “We do not practise or support so-called ‘conversion therapy,’ and we reject any coercive or controlling use of prayer. We also want to affirm that St Thomas Philadelphia welcomes all people. We are a diverse church community, and while as a church we hold to a traditional understanding of Christian teaching on sexuality, we are committed to walking together with grace humility and love.”
The case may become a touchstone for campaigners advocating for a ban on so-called ‘conversion therapy’. While proponents argue for protection against abuse, critics claim such abuses are rare and existing laws already criminalize harmful practices.
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
