The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Carey, and other leading members of the Church of England, have leapt to the defence of a therapist who is facing a ban by her professional body after trying to ‘cure’ a gay man of his homosexuality.
Psycotherapist Lesley Pilkington, a practising Christian, awaits an appeal hearing on Wednesday against her suspension by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), after she was recorded using reparative therapy on undercover journalist Patrick Strudwick at her home in 2009.
But, according to The Telegraph, Lord Carey; the former Bishop of Rochester, Rt Rev. Michael Nazir-Ali; and the Bishop of Lewes, Rt Rev. Wallace Benn, have backed the under-fire therapist in a letter to the BACP.
In the letter, the clergy argue: “Psychological care for those who are distressed by unwanted homosexual attractions has been shown to yield a range of beneficial client outcomes, especially in motivated clients ... Such therapy does not produce harm despite the Royal College of Psychiatrists and others maintaining the contrary,” the Telegraph reports.
They add: “Competent practitioners, including those working with biblical Judeo-Christian values, should be free to assist those seeking help.”
The BACP board concluded last year that Pilkington “had allowed her personal preconceived views about gay lifestyle and sexual orientation to affect her professional relationship in a way that was prejudicial.” It also described Pilkington’s methods as “reckless”, “disrespectful”, “dogmatic” and “unprofessional”.
Speaking after her suspension last year, Pilkington, whose case is being backed by the Christian Legal Centre, said: “Reparative therapy is a valid therapy that many people want and it should not be damaged by irresponsible reporting.”
