Children’s Christian ministry called ‘psychologically harmful’
By Joseph DeCaro, Worthy News Correspondent
PORTLAND (Worthy News)– A Christian nonprofit NGO is facing parental opposition in Portland as it seeks to bring youth to Christ, according to Christian Today.
Child Evangelism Fellowship’s “Good News Club” — a youth ministry in which children are taught about Jesus through songs, games and the Bible — has been accused of being harmful to children by Protect Portland Children.
On its website, CEF states that “the purpose of Good News Club is to evangelize boys and girls with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and establish (disciple) them in the Word of God and in a local church for Christian living”.
But John Lederer, a Seattle parent, said that the GNC isn’t appropriate for young children.
“When I read their mission statement and values and principles it was clear that this was a very theologically conservative, right wing and evangelical form of Christian faith. My initial concern wasn’t that they existed, but that they had targeted my child’s school and my child is only 6 years old. They are targeting very, very, young children.”
However, the clubs are voluntary and require parental permission. GNCs meets once a week during the school year at community centers, churches, schools and other locations.