IFTCC visits Spanish Embassy in London
Thursday 2nd May 2019
The IFTCC wrote a letter to the Spanish government, regarding the threat of legal action recently made by the Community of Madrid against the Roman Catholic diocese of Alcala de Henares.
You can read the letter below, or download the pdf version.
Spain denies religious freedom by banning therapeutic choice
Ambassador Carlos Bastarreche
Spanish Embassy
39 Chesham Pl, Belgravia, London SW1X 8SB, United Kingdom
London, May 2, 2019
Dear Ambassador Bastarreche
We are writing to you regarding the threat of legal action recently made by the Community of Madrid against the Roman Catholic diocese of Alcala de Henares. This was in relation to a counselling session that took place in the ‘Centro de Orientación Familiar’ of that diocese.
This legal threat constitutes a grave attack by a western European government on fundamental freedoms enshrined in and upheld by the European Convention on Human Rights. These include freedom of religion, freedom of speech, the right to respect for private and family life, the right to determine one’s sexual orientation, the client’s right to choose therapy according to his or her own criteria, and the right to marry.
The International Federation for Therapeutic and Counselling Choice (IFTCC) exists to help anyone experiencing unwanted relational and sexual behaviours, attractions and patterns. We are developing a worldwide network of highly-skilled practitioners, counsellors and therapists in offering research-based, scientifically grounded practise, and we are dedicated to maintaining the highest professional standards.
We are also committed to defending this practise whenever and wherever it comes under threat. In today’s political climate it is vital that fundamental rights and freedoms are maintained for all citizens, in a balanced manner.
We urge you as the Spanish Ambassador to do all you can to persuade the Spanish government not to pursue any further legal or other attacks on those providing pastoral care for individuals with unwanted same-sex attraction. Civil rights, fundamental human dignity, and religious freedom on the individual and corporate level are at stake.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Michael Davidson Dr Christl Vonholdt
IFTCC Chairman IFTCC Vice Chairman
