On July 17, 2020, Young Life announced the creation of a council to further review stories we had heard in recent days from Do Better Young Life (DBYL).
These have been stories from members of our community who have come forward to share instances where they have experienced pain based on their race, gender, sexual orientation or other factors.
We are deeply saddened to know that any individual would walk away from Young Life feeling hurt or shamed, and wish to apologize for instances where our sins of commission and omission have caused this pain.
The council, comprised of a diverse group of staff and non-staff, reviewed each of these stories and recommended the appropriate course of action in each case.
The formation of this council was a next step in what we expect will be a long process of review, reflection, repentance and reform.
It also recommended we take steps to bring resources and clarity to staff and volunteers in two key ways:
First, Young Life is for kids from all walks of life. Every kid is made in the image of God and deserves to be loved, respected and dignified.
We are providing the leaders of our 8,500 local ministries with resources and additional training to ensure they are equipped to create an environment in which every young person, regardless of their background, is welcomed with the love and understanding of faithful adults who personally demonstrate the compassion and truth of Jesus in both relationships and activities.
Second, like all religious organizations, Young Life expects that those seeking leadership positions support Young Life’s beliefs, tenets and policies on a wide range of theological issues. We are working to ensure those who currently hold or may be interested in leadership positions in Young Life understand our beliefs and our expectations for leaders.
One of those issues is human sexuality, and Young Life is confident — with continued study, prayer and reflection — that our theology is faithful to God’s vision for this important aspect of the human experience. To be clear, this is an expectation of leaders, not for participants in Young Life programs. We are working to ensure those who currently hold or may be interested in leadership positions in Young Life understand the beliefs and expectations.
We want to express our deep gratitude to those who have shared their stories. Their courage in coming forward will lead to a Young Life that is better equipped to introduce kids of all backgrounds to Jesus and help them grow in their faith.
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