Christian retreat for the ‘sexually broken’ cancelled in New Brunswick

SAINT JOHN, N.B. — A controversial retreat planned for later this summer has been scrapped in the wake of criticism from the LGBTQ community.

The Vancouver-based Christian Group Journey Canada was advertising an intensive retreat at Villa Madonna Retreat House, owned by the Catholic Diocese of Saint John.

Journey Canada’s website suggests this type of retreat focuses on healing the “relationally and sexually broken,” but some people in the area say it’s nothing more than conversion therapy.

St. Thomas University sociology professor Erin Fredericks told Global News the approach is reckless and can result in self-harm, anxiety and PTSD.

The diocese cancelled the event Wednesday afternoon.

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Journey Canada and the diocese did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Canadian Press