Such figures are simply staggering. We know, all too well, about the issues many Christians face with porn. But the ease with which young people are now accessing graphic content should set alarm bells ringing. Last year, a shocking report revealed that children as young as seven were posting graphic images of themselves online, influenced by what they had seen on the internet.
For anyone who is involved in youth ministry, dealing with the issue of porn can be tricky. For one, it can be hard to know what the actual facts are. Aside from a general understanding that porn is wrong and a distortion, perhaps many do not feel confident enough to discuss this issue sensitively, yet openly and honestly. Given the shocking figures highlighted in this new report, clearly complacency is not an option. The Church cannot afford to play catch-up on this issue. We must take a stand for biblical purity. In doing so, we aim at something truly and genuinely beautiful. God designed sex and set its boundaries for our good, not our evil.
Given the explosive rise in availability of pornography online we need to be honest enough to acknowledge the need for action. We also need to admit the risky positions youth leaders themselves are in. Youth leaders can be compromised if they themselves are watching porn. Again, it is common for the shame of doing so to cripple our ability to confess and seek help. Given the pressure that comes from being an example to our young people, we need to ensure we are suitably equipped to fight back. The cross of Christ is home to many sins, including a Christian’s struggle with pornography.
To help the Church in the battle against pornography, CARE, alongside Naked Truth, an outstanding organisation which aims to help those who struggle with porn addiction are putting on a conference called the P-Word. It will be held on June 23rd 2016 at the Emmanuel Centre in central London. There is a brilliant range of speakers, including Paula Hall, the UK’s leading sex addiction therapist, CARE’s executive chairman Lyndon Bowring and Ian Henderson from Naked Truth. Worship will be led by Ben Cantelon and there will be free resources as well as talks, videos, discussion time and prayer. Order your ticket at the P-Word website pwordconference.com
James Mildred, press officer for CARE
