Statement on Crossroads Church and the Sterilization of Children
Header Image Credit: Russell Bickel, Crossroads Oakley, 6 April 2018
This past Sunday, Center for Christian Virtue Policy Director David Mahan was invited to preach at all three services at Crossroads Church in Cincinnati.
The invitation came after the Crossroads staff saw this video of David preaching at Columbus Christian Center in May on Christian engagement in public policy, and the medical and political movement to put children on dangerous cross-sex hormones and sterilizing puberty blockers. I was blessed to attend all three services, and was deeply moved by the response of the congregation – there were standing ovations for David’s message and his conversation with Senior Pastor Brian Tome at the end of every service.
However, as with all conversations around sensitive topics such as the effects of puberty blockers being forced on families and children, there were some in attendance and online that were offended by David, and condemned Crossroads for giving his message a platform.
In the wake of the backlash, Crossroads released this statement, apologizing for causing harm to people. They also removed any mention of David, CCV, or his message from their website and social media.
I feel it’s necessary to provide some clarity on Crossroads’ statement, and explain why it’s so essential churches continue to press into this very urgent issue:
Is CCV a “political organization?”
In their statement, Crossroads refers to CCV as a “political organization.” However, CCV is not a political organization in the legal sense or any other sense. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, just like any church. We do not endorse or oppose candidates for office. We advocate and educate the public on issues, taking our positions from God’s eternal word.
Discussing transgenderism with empathy and care.
In today’s culture, any discussion of gender identity is going to spark harsh backlash. Yet few speakers in the country understand the real-life impact of the transgender movement like David Mahan. He’s personally witnessed the pressure children are under today, and has sat with parents who have been bullied and intimidated by doctors to put their children on dangerous experimental procedures for the purpose of “gender transitioning.”
As David expressed in his sermon, this is a topic that requires the utmost grace, because children living with gender dysphoria are in true pain. Countless individuals at the Sunday services can attest to his kindness.
Why is it important for churches to discuss transgenderism and children?
Today in Ohio, there are at least 5 “gender clinics” pushing cross-sex hormones and puberty-blocking drugs on children. Cincinnati Children’s Hospital attested under oath in 2018 that 100% of the children “who present for care are considered to be appropriate candidates for continued gender treatment.” These treatments have not been approved by the FDA, and can cause permanent bodily damage.
As David has witnessed after working in the public schools for the past 20 years, children in all schools are having dangerous transgender ideology forced on them, and most parents are either unaware or unequipped to know how to respond.
The reality is, all too often, the only organizations not talking about transgenderism today are churches. Yet in today’s modern cancel culture, the Church is the only one with the courage, from the Holy Spirit, to stand up against this powerful political force.
What’s next.
Pray for Crossroads Church and the amazing impact they’re having on their community. Pray for the LGBT advocates who are angered by CCV’s message and mission. Pray the Lord uses this controversy to continue to expose the harm gender clinics are causing to children and families. Pray for CCV as we work to love our neighbors and advance this mission God has given us.
Also consider how your church can engage in a loving and meaningful conversation around this topic. CCV and our Church Ambassador Network are here to serve you to be able to speak on difficult topics with grace and truth, peace and righteousness.
Yours in Christ,
Aaron Baer
President
Center for Christian Virtue
This statement was updated to reflect the direct quote from Cincinnati Children’s Hospital in 2018.
Owner of Header Image: Russell Bickel, Crossroads Oakley, 6 April 2018