As you probably have noticed, my article contributions have dropped of late. Amongst the minor "fire-fighting" efforts I took on as moderator, my work load recently increased which has reduced my "free time" somewhat. Along with the successful purchase, move, and fixing up of my new home. However, sometimes a story comes up I just have to comment on. It would appear that "bad publicity" is shutting down the Aussie branch of Mercy Ministries... and personally I'm cheering.

Now, I will acknowledge that there has been some good come from the organisation in Australia. Some young women have been helped through troubling times and have, in some cases, had their afflictions cured or at least alleviated to a large extent. That said, there have been some very troubling stories coming from the Aussie branch of this Christian charity (and yes, the Christian part is important, see after fold for why).

The reason the Christian emphasis is important is because it would appear to be the basis of the improper treatment of some seeking support from them. Many have claimed that, instead of seeing medical / psychological professionals as they were told would oocur, they were put into the care of Bible Studies students. These students would help cure afflictions such as anorexia, help people cope with pregnancy, and somehow reduce suicidal impulses through exorcisms and intense prayer sessions.

Now, recall the people seeking aid from Mercy Ministries are those at a very low point in their lives (some on the brink of suicide). They are suffering from dietary disorders, bearing a (possibly unwanted) child, or otherwise so desperate for help they have turned to an organisation that will take their CentreLink payments from them and only let them out on weekends. In any other religious organisation (say, Scientology), these would be the signs indicating a dangerous cult.

Think that through, the organisation is locking vulnerable young women up, taking away their money (& hence means of supporting themselves), and subjecting them to what amounts to brainwashing (sorry, but exorcisms & hours long prayer sessions are not standard worship for most people). All under the pretence that said vulnerable young women will be seeing medical / psychological professionals. In some cases, without reason, explanation, or warning these vulnerable young women were kicked out... with no follow-up or advice on how to proceed. I personally couldn't think of a better means of getting them to commit suicide!

When confronted with these claims, the director of Mercy Ministries Australia denied the claims outright... then had to later retract his statements to the media (i.e. those refuting the claims) and apologised for making them (though, I note, not for the incidents themselves). I take that as proof positive the incidents did occur.

And all that is beside the morally repugnant claims by Mercy Ministries that they can "cure gay".