Village Responds to Anti-Gay Criticism
Pugwash is being dragged into a controversy that has nothing to do with the village.
The Maritime Conference of Seventh Day Adventist Churches will host a week long conference, in July, with one agenda item that has raised concern in the LGBTQ community.
The conference is staged annually at Camp Pugwash, a church facility about ten kilometres outside Pugwash on Gulf Shore Road.
The concern centres on a presentation from two American speakers representing Coming Out Ministries, who suggest people can change their sexual orientation.
Two Halifax gay rights groups have circulated a petition calling for the event to be cancelled. It appears the organizers of the week-long camp meetings has declined.
The Village has received negative comments and messages, suggesting an anti gay stance in Pugwash. One message referred to Pugwash as “a backward thinking place,” and the writer said, “I am cancelling my summer trip to your community and I will encourage others to do the same.”
The Pride flag tells a different story as it flies freely in Eaton Park. Pugwash is famous for peace, with a long history and reputation of inclusiveness, friendliness, and a welcoming nature.
The Village of Pugwash neither supports nor endorses the planned presentation. The Seventh Day Adventist churches do not speak for the churches of Pugwash, nor Christians of the village.
The Chair of the Village Commission says, “Come visit us for our Canada Day celebrations and see for yourself.”