Pray Away
Reconciling Ministries Network organizers are urging United Methodists to learn more about the dangers of “gay conversion therapy” by watching a forthcoming movie, “Pray Away,” set to debut Aug. 3 on Netflix.
A recent announcement from RMN’s organizers, Helen Ryde, Laura Young, and the Rev. Dr. Izzy Alvaran, warns potential viewers that “Pray Away” is an “intense and heavy film” that could trigger adverse emotional reactions in sensitive individuals. Nonetheless, they urge United Methodists to watch the film if possible because it highlights the dangers of attempts to “pray away the gay.”
A post accompanying the official “Pray Away” trailer on YouTube describes the film:
“In the 1970s, five men struggling with being gay in their Evangelical church started a Bible study to help each other leave the ‘homosexual lifestyle.’ They quickly received over 25,000 letters from people asking for help and formalized as Exodus International, the largest and most controversial conversion therapy organization in the world. But leaders struggled with a secret: their own ‘same-sex attractions’ never went away. After years as superstars in the religious right, many of these men and women have come out as LGBTQ, disavowing the very movement they helped start. Focusing on the dramatic journeys of former conversion therapy leaders, current members, and a survivor, PRAY AWAY chronicles the ‘ex gay’ movement’s rise to power, its unscientific influence, and its legacy of profound harm.”
The film debuts at a critical time as controversial “conversion therapy” has gained renewed interest, especially in states where legislatures have outlawed gender therapy for transsexual youths and banned trans youths from sports competitions.
RMN organizers will share “Pray Away” resources to use in small groups. For starters, the team encourages potential viewers to learn more about the status of gay conversion therapy in their areas. The press release suggests:
“Before next Tuesday (Aug. 3), consider learning more about anti-conversion therapy efforts in your area.
- “Is conversion therapy outlawed in your state?
- “In your municipality?
- “If so, who is no longer allowed to subject LGBTQ+ people to conversion therapy?
- “Who is exempted and therefore still allowed to recommend that LGBTQ+ people ‘change in order to be acceptable?’”
The announcement also links to a U.S. map showing the status of laws regarding conversion therapy throughout the country.
Organizers recommend that congregations or Sunday school classes set up a “Netflix Teleparty” which requires that only one person have a Netflix membership to view the film. After seeing the film, viewers are encouraged to hold small group discussions to process the implications raised in the “Pray Away” film. The announcement says:
“For those of you who do not have a Reconciling Ministry to call home, this film could be the start of a conversation with your community or church about how to ensure more safety and love for LGBTQ+ persons, especially in light of the power and influence that churches have.
“For those of you who do belong to a Reconciling Ministry, this film could be an opportunity to connect with those in your ministry. How can your Community or Church show up more unequivocally for LGBTQ+ justice? What messages must be louder, must be preached, must be substantiated by action, so that opponents of LGBTQ+ inclusion are not the only voices heard in religious community?
“Consider planning a conversation to take place next weekend – August 7-8 – or some other time soon after many in your group have watched the film. A conversation with other Reconciling United Methodists could help viewers process the film together and brainstorm ways to demonstrate public affirmation of LGBTQ+ people in your area.”
More resources related to “Pray Away,” including talking points for sermons, will be distributed shortly, according to the announcement.
Cynthia B. Astle serves as Editor of United Methodist Insight, which she founded in 2011.