Apple has officially removed an app from its store that was created to help people with same-sex attraction because of critics calling it “homophobic” in nature.
The app, created by Living Hope Ministries, a Christian non-profit from Texas, works to proclaim a traditional Biblical view of marriage, that is, one between man and women.
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The banning of the app came after Truth Wins Out, a national gay rights organization, created a petition to have the app removed from the App Store.
They deemed the app “bigoted,” “hateful,” and “dangerous, homophobic garbage.” They also said that the app was created by “hateful bigots and bullies” to aid in “tormenting LGBT youth.”
The petition only garnered 365 signatures, but the app was still removed and banned by the tech giant.
Living Hope Ministries website states that they work to “proclaim(s) a Christ-centered, biblical world-view of sexual expression rooted in one man and one woman in a committed, monogamous, heterosexual marriage for life” and describes its mission as “to proclaim God’s truth as we journey with those seeking sexual and relational wholeness through a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.”
The app is still listed in the Google Play store, where the description explains the purpose of the app.
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“With the LHM app you will have access to a selection of audio and video teachings, devotionals, helps for family and friends, and stay up to date with the latest news from all LHM locations … We pray this app will be an encouragement to you as you seek a more intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.”
Ricky Chelette, the executive director of Living Hope Ministries, spoke out about the banning of the ministries app.
“All we do is teach a very orthodox view of biblical truth,” Chelette said.
“The purpose of the app is simply to allow people a convenient way to access weekly devotions, ministry teachings, testimonials and other resources from the ministry all for free.”
Chelette also added that the app did not push “conversion therapy,” but in fact was looking to truly help people.
“Conversion Therapy’ is not even a therapeutic modality. It’s a created term applied to those who believe in a traditional and orthodox understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and its power to transform people’s lives when they fully trust in it,” he added.
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Living Hope Ministries has received endorsements from many prominent public figures like Matt Chandler, the senior pastor of The Village Church, Richard Land, the president of Southern Evangelical Seminary, former president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, as well as Jimmy Draper, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention, former President and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources.
The Dallas Morning News reached out to Apple for a comment, but they chose not to give one.