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ABC Compass: Reclaiming Pride – Anthony Venn-Brown OAM
After his turbulent coming out described in his book “A Life of Unlearning”, former Assemblies of God preacher Anthony Venn-Brown has spent the greater part of his professional life meeting behind the scenes with church leaders and religious conservatives. He listens, engages, persuades, and explains why he believes churches can and should be affirming of their LGBTQI members. His calm and methodical approach has seen him pursue law reform on so-called conversion “therapy” (22 March 2024, the Conversion Practices Ban Act 2024). Through his organisation, Ambassadors & Bridge Builders International (ABBI), he promotes “informed, intelligent, and respectful dialogue and achieved what some considered impossible.
- The ABBI website contains Australia’s largest collection of information, about so-called conversion “therapy”, including articles, research and survivor stories. CLICK HERE
- The bestseller A Life of Unlearning – a preacher’s struggle with his homosexuality, church and faith. Purchase through most online booksellers. FREE chapters, reviews, endorsements and reader’s responses. CLICK HERE.
- Please consider supporting ABBI’s work of overcoming ignorance, challenging misinformation, building bridges, and supporting survivors. Make a tax-deductible monthly or one-off donation. CLICK HERE.
Congratulations Anthony. Last night I watched the Compass program on the ABC, and even though I knew your story through your book and newsletter / emails over the years, I was moved by your courage and the sense of integrity and compassion that comes across in the documentary. Even though I stayed away from the Catholic church in my gay journey I know many people who have been permanently harmed and scarred by the religious hypocrisy inflicted on them.
I am sure the Compass program will enhance the great work that you have been undertaking over many, many years to a wider audience. And I hope it will reassure gay people, young and old, many who are still conflicted or burdened with pain and guilt and shame, that they have a right to live an authentic life and be who they wish to be.
You are deeply appreciated and I honour your dedication and commitment to helping others.
Best Wishes
Peter
thank you for your kind words Peter