One Young Life area director, who agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal by the organization, said she feels compelled to leave after seeing Young Life, in her view, double down on its anti-LGBTQ stance after the Do Better movement.Ī leaked internal memo purported to come from Young Life leadership this summer included talking points for staff, with the line “…we are not reviewing our policy or theology.” Once I realized that, it was a pretty easy decision.”įranklin’s views on the organization are mirrored by a host of other younger staff and volunteers across the country, who are now evaluating their futures with Young Life. “Not being held accountable, not admitting fault. “What I believe Jesus says and does and models about what love is, that doesn’t match up with what Young Life is doing,” Franklin said. She read stories from the woman who was let go at the camp as well as Joshua Truitt, who detailed to The Post in July his treatment by Young Life staff after they found out he was gay. Instead, a few people at the table vocally supported Young Life’s stance.įranklin kept the incident in the back of her mind until this summer, when the Do Better Young Life movement burst onto the scene. “I kind of thought everyone would have an issue with that,” Franklin said. “We will be obsolete”įor Anna Franklin, the moment of truth came last summer at a Young Life camp in Georgia.Ī group of volunteer leaders were eating lunch and discussing the situation of a camp staffer who had been kicked out after coming out of the closet. But the council’s work - and its members - remains secretive, and current and former staff and volunteers expressed little hope that Young Life will make drastic changes to its conservative theology. And it comes as Christian denominations and youth groups alike confront a rift in membership over LGBTQ affirmation.Īfter The Denver Post asked the organization in July about its policies on LGBTQ leaders, Young Life announced the creation of a council to review stories and recommend courses of action. Digital Replica Edition Home Page Close MenuĪs the movement continues to grow, staff members, volunteer leaders and donors are now severing ties with an organization that younger members say is out of touch with their generation’s views on social issues.
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