The Highlander asked the Youngs about Youth Unlimited, and the fact they are branded under ‘youth for Christ (YFC).’ The Globe and Mail ran a Jan. 14 story about how YFC, the global Christian ministry behind Youth Unlimited, has policies restricting open identification as 2SLGBTQ+. A Dec. 1, 2022 CBC article quoted another organization under the YFC umbrella saying YFC’s hiring policies are discriminatory toward members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Kyle said, “our stance nationally is that we are welcoming in, but we’re not going to be affirming of… We’re going to teach our values, but it doesn’t mean we’re going to shut them down or turn them away.” Asked if they would try to convert teens from identifying as 2SLGBTQ+, Kyle said, “it’s about conversations. So, we present the information and whether they decide or not, it’s up to them.”
Leanne said when they worked in Moose Jaw, they worked with lots of kids who identified as gay, bisexual and lesbian “and we just loved kids where they were at. We see you as a person… I don’t just look at your sexuality, I see you as a whole person.”
Leanne added they had worked with kids the past year who are identifying as 2SLGBTQ+, and they are told they are valued and welcomed.”
Kyle said they want to care for people “holistically; physically, spiritually and emotionally and relationally overall.”
He said people have asked them if they would turn people away because of how they identify, or their beliefs, and the answer is “no, we’re not going to turn them away. We also have to operate within our values and our timelines and what we are offering. So we are not able to offer counselling on that level.”
They said the youth hub is filling that void.
