1. Who sponsors the Christian Consultation?
2. Why don't you use the word "pedophile"?
3. Why do minor-attracted adults take part in the Christian Consultation?
4. What sort of beliefs do participants hold about adult attraction to minors?
5. I don't feel comfortable at the idea of discussing this topic with some of the people who will attend the Christian Consultation. Do I belong here?
6. Must I be a Christian to attend the Christian Consultation?
7. I am not permitted by my faith community or by my beliefs to take part in ecumenical Christian worship. Will this be a problem?
8. Is the Christian Consultation accessible to the disabled or to others who have special needs?
9. When and where do you meet?
10. What expenses will I have?
11. What is the purpose of the statements issued by the Christian Consultation?
12. Why do you spend so little time discussing sexual offenses?

1. Who sponsors the Christian Consultation?

The Christian Consultation on Adult Attraction to Minors is sponsored by Philia's Invitation to the Table. The mission of the Christian Consultation is to consider all Christian issues related to adult attraction to minors, regardless to whether the issues are related to ministry.

2. Why don't you use the word "pedophile"?

In our society, the word "pedophile" has a number of different meanings, depending on the context of the word. In addition, various groups that work with adults who are attracted minors use different terms to refer to them. For the sake of clarity, we use the term "minor-attracted adult" in our literature. Occasionally, we will use the word "pedophile" when referring to popular perceptions about adults who are attracted to minors.

3. Why do minor-attracted adults take part in the Christian Consultation?

The Christian Consultation was founded by a few Christians who were interested in dialogue on adult attraction to minors; some of them were attracted to minors, some were not. Christian communities that have studied adult attraction to minors have sometimes drawn upon the insights of both groups in order to gain better understanding of this topic. We felt that there would be great benefit in bringing these groups together for face-to-face dialogue on Christian issues.

4. What sort of beliefs do participants hold about adult attraction to minors?

While we require no test of beliefs, participants in the Christian Consultation hold in general to the statement of principles set out by Invitation to the Table. There is much disagreement between Christians, however, on important issues related to adult attraction to minors. The Christian Consultation provides an opportunity to discuss such disagreements and to find common ground.

5. I don't feel comfortable at the idea of discussing this topic with some of the people who will attend the Christian Consultation. Do I belong here?

 Most participants at our annual gathering are initially uncomfortable at the idea of discussing adult attraction to minors with people who have a different background and hold different beliefs. The Christian Consultation is certainly intended for people who are committed to dialogue with others whose sexual feelings, backgrounds, and beliefs differ from their own. However, we do not expect people to feel immediately comfortable upon arriving at the gathering for the first time. The first evening of each year's Christian Consultation is devoted to introductions and social time, in order to allow participants the opportunity to get to know each other before tackling difficult issues. You are encouraged to tell only as much about yourself as makes you feel comfortable.

6. Must I be a Christian to attend the Christian Consultation?

You would certainly need to feel comfortable attending a gathering that is made up largely of Christians. While the Christian Consultation is not an interfaith organization, we welcome anyone interested in Christian issues related to adult attraction to minors, regardless as to whether you are Christian. Every year, a small number of non-Christian participants provide us with insight as to how other faith communities and the secular world are addressing this topic.

7. I am not permitted by my faith community or by my beliefs to take part in ecumenical Christian worship. Will this be a problem?

Many of the people attending the Christian Consultation appreciate taking part in ecumenical worship, so we allow participants the opportunity to worship together. However, anyone who would feel uncomfortable participating in this worship may certainly occupy their time with other activities. Each participant is welcome to follow whatever schedule best suits his needs while attending the Christian Consultation.

8. Is the Christian Consultation accessible to the disabled or to others who have special needs?

Because our gatherings are small, we arrange them for the convenience of our participants. If you have any special needs that might affect what type of arrangements we make for the Christian Consultation, just let us know ahead of time, and we will make our plans accordingly.

9. When and where do you meet?

We hold a small gathering each year at a time and place that is convenient for most of the people wishing to attend the Christian Consultation. Because of this, the date and location change from year to year. However, the meetings are always arranged to allow participants private conversation with each other.

10. What expenses will I have?

Some of us attending the Christian Consultation survive on a shoestring budget, so we make the gathering as inexpensive as possible. You will need to arrange for transportation to the gathering, and we are likely to have a nominal fee for lodging and meals; other than that, there is no cost to attend the meeting. If you believe that economic factors would prevent you from attending the Christian Consultation, contact us so that we can try to make special arrangements for you.

11. What is the purpose of the statements issued by the Christian Consultation?

Composing a statement at the end of our annual gatherings helps us to direct the conversation around a new topic each year. These statements also allow us to share our thoughts with others who cannot attend the Christian Consultation. Although the organizers of the gathering will usually arrive with a particular topic in mind to discuss, the content of the statement is determined by the participants themselves, through the conversation that follows. If you have any suggestions beforehand for a topic to discuss, please let us know.

12. Why do you spend so little time discussing sexual offenses?

The early gatherings of the Christian Consultation have focussed on minor-attracted adults who have not acted on their sexual feelings because so little material is available to the church on this topic. Some of what we have written will be applicable to minor-attracted adults who have committed sex offenses, while other issues we have discussed will only be applicable to minor-attracted adults who have refrained from breaking the law. As time goes on, we hope that the Christian Consultation will be able to discuss a broad range of issues related to adult attraction to minors. A great deal depends, though, on the background of the participants. If you have special knowledge of a particular aspect of adult attraction to minors as it relates to Christian issues, we encourage to attend the Christian Consultation so that we can learn more from you. We also welcome participants who are just beginning to learn about Christian topics on adult attraction to minors.