Churches tackle porn addiction

Church leaders are being encouraged to address the issue of pornography addiction in their communities, by the UK charity, the Naked Truth Project.

Church leaders need to talk honestly and openly about pornography use, its impact on communities and those struggling with hope. The charity is organising an online conference in September called the P-Word and tickets will be discounted for church groups. It aims to resource church leaders to tackle the damaging social and relational impact of pornography addiction.

The specialised online gathering will host interactive talks over a 72-hour period, involving a range of therapists, clinical experts and activists offering practical and pastoral responses to the increasing issue.

Leading UK based sex addiction therapist, Paula Hall will be contributing, together with U.S based relational psychotherapist, Dr Jake Porter, and Dr Barbara Steffens, a certified coach for partners of sex addicts. Lisa Taylor, a Counsellor in partner trauma based in New Zealand will add to the raft of international speakers.

Vicar of St Mark’s in Milton Keynes, Revd Paul Oxley said: “The look of relief in the eyes of someone who hears they are not the only one who is trapped…when they know there are people who will love them and work with them to break habits, heal hurts and rebuild relationships is a beautiful thing to behold. I’ve seen that look a couple of times as I have recommended Naked Truth Project to people trapped in porn abuse. In each case they have experienced a joyous restoration…in each case they have been able to come out of the darkness and into the light. That is why I value the work of Naked Truth Project so highly and I’m thankful for their courageous lead in refusing to allow the dark places to be lonely.”

Millennial Christian, Esther Bonsu and Joshua Luke Smith, British Christian rapper and poet will contribute their personal stories and creativity to the P-Word conference, while 19-year-old Tik Tok influencer from Canada, Katy Paterson, will talk on creating faith-based social media content for girls trying to combat addictions.

Gavin Calver, CEO of the Evangelical Alliance, UK said: “I wholeheartedly encourage church leaders to join in with the P-Word conference. Addressing the destructive impact of pornography addiction within our Communities has never been more needed than right now. Let’s get involved and be good news to those who are struggling.”

Ian Henderson, Founder and CEO of the Naked Truth Project says, “The P-Word conference will provide hope and help to churches and church leaders. The conference is a great opportunity for Christians of all denominations to be resourced to bring both a pastoral and missional response to all those struggling with the fall out of porn use. The users, the partners, the parents not just within congregations, but also in our wider communities, need churches to be equipped to talk about and tackle the issue of porn. When someone says we need help in our marriage because of a pornography addiction, the church can be the place they turn to. The P-Word conference is not only a resource for pornography users to access help from, but an opportunity for whole churches to access the tool kit they need to address all the Kingdom issues at stake from increased pornography use.”

More information about the conference can be found at www.pwordconference.com