I am so aware of my heavenly Father’s hand upon me, preparing my hands, heart and head, over the course of my life and ministry, so I would be ready to join His work through the IFTCC, at a time such as this! As Legal and Policy Offer at Core Issues Trust, I have been directly involved in preparing documentation for an application for charity status for the IFTCC, a project of Core Issues Trust. On completion of this application, the IFTCC will then be in a position to function fully independently of the Trust, whilst both will continue to work collaboratively for inter-related goals.
Despite turbulent times internationally, the IFTCC continues to expand its reach, taking the message that change is a valid goal and support is at hand. The practical implications of the work we do, have necessitated organisational re-structuring to include registration with the Charity Commission in England. Coming under the provisions of the Charities Act 2006 will give us a better legal framework to operate from, and provide us with charitable status, which in itself is a recognition that as an organisation we exist to benefit the public. In this process, we have also had to change the name slightly, in that as a charity, the law prevents the usage of the word “federation”. For this reason, the complete name is now “International Foundation for Therapeutic Counselling and Choice” or IFTCC. We have opted to register as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), using the Foundation model, as this provides limited liability for the trustees and members, and the best framework for our purposes.
Taking this step of registration with the Charity Commission involves ongoing internal consultation with the IFTCC Executive and General Board. The charity’s profile, can be summarised as follows:
- We promote respect for human rights, including the right to self-determination, of individuals who seek counselling, therapy or support for their unwanted sexual attractions or behaviours or gender concerns;
- We lead by advancing education in the field of human sexuality and Christian ethics, to equip trained clinical and pastoral practitioners, with peer-reviewed research, scholarly resources and protocols that safeguard them in their professions, as they help those seeking help;
- We are motivated to promote health and the saving of lives through the provision of professional psychotherapy counselling or pastoral support for those who seek relief mentally or emotionally from unwanted same-sex attractions, behaviours or gender incongruence;
- We do so from a position of compassion, by enlightening others of Christian truths which uphold the dignity of all people, made male and female in God’s image, to love, be holy and care for one another and creation. Our belief concerning sexuality is founded upon the Judeo-Christian ethic, not the notions of today’s secular humanists. We understand the believer’s body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, key to spiritual development and maturity and likewise foundational in the institution of marriage, as designed by God between a male and female. Outside of holy matrimony, all sexual relationships, regardless of preference, fall short of the glory of God. However, the ministry of the church, like that of Jesus Christ, is not to condemn but to reconcile man to God and provide a spiritual home where believers and seekers can find sensitive support for issues of sexual sin and brokenness, including homosexuality;
- Lastly, the trustees of IFTCC reserve the right to add and act upon any other charitable purpose covered within the Charities Act.
The breadth of these objects allows the IFTCC the freedom to stand upon the firm ground of laws which still reflect common sense to honour God, to fight our battles and take away further territory and captives, from those denying freedom of choice through the restriction of opportunities to individuals who seek help with unwanted sexual and gender practices, identities and feelings, and those who support them
