Bible camp’s proposed policy change draws mixed reactions

Groups affected by Ness Lake Bible Camp policies are calling proposed changes a positive step, but are still waiting for more information.

In an op-ed to The Citizen on Thursday, the Christian camp said it is developing a new discrimination and harassment prevention policy and updating existing rules for rental agreements and employees after local businesses, community groups and the school district signaled they would no longer support a space that doesn't welcome those in the LGBTQ community.

"I think it's great they're looking into things. I'd be curious to know what comes of it," said PG Pride president Stacey Hewlett, who was told she couldn't speak on gender at a Rotary event at Ness Lake.

At the end of last school year, School District 57's board emailed all employees asking them not to book facilities after complaints came forward about how the camp had dealt with students considered LGBTQ-friendly.

"There's some positive things there," said board chair Tony Cable of the letter from camp director Elliott Harder.

"Basically we as a district are sticking to what we said back in June. We have referred this issue to one of our board committees and we're going to get some consultation from our inclusivity committee," said Cable, adding the district will look for an update from Ness Lake too.

"If they're changing those policies and the rental agreement then we definitely need to see that."

The education programs and planning committee will meet Tuesday and is closed to the public, said Cable, adding staff, parents and partner groups sit on the committee and will have their voices heard.

In his letter, Harder said the bible camp realizes the language used to describe its beliefs "came across as hurtful to some, insensitive to others and unclear to many.

"After much prayer and consideration, we're beginning to revise our employee guidelines and our rental agreements to better clarify expectations for summer missionaries and visiting guest groups," wrote Harder, who deferred an interview request Thursday to One Hope Canada Ministries for follow-up on the details of the changes.

Spokesman Chandler Epp said the organization could speak next week about the policies, which it is still in the middle of updating.

"They're still a work in progress, and we want to be able to share updates about those changes once they're at a point where we can speak in more detail about the specifics," Epp said by email.

But a longtime Christian volunteer, whose story helped prompt the camp's response, says Harder's words lacked commitment.

"It's great but when I was reading it there are still some unanswered questions, like are they letting LGBT staff work there? And people who support LGBT?" said Julianna Ferguson, who was told she couldn't work directly with kids at camp because of her open support for queer people.

"All I saw was they were wanting to make it a more welcoming and safe environment for LGBT people."

To her, that isn't enough.

"I'm hoping that they're going to decide that someone's sexuality doesn't define how they can work and that they'll let people who support it or identify as LGBT to work there."

Should those changes happen, Ferguson, who spent most of her childhood summers on the 70-acre site, said she still wouldn't go back.

"No, I think I'm done with camp," said the 18-year-old, adding she was happy the issue got the attention it did. "It still feels good that things are starting to change but it's not all going to change that quickly but hopefully more will come."

Hewlett, who also works as a sex educator in schools, offered an open invitation to the camp to meet with her.

"I would be super interested in going out there and providing some education on the topic," she said. "I think it just comes down to maybe a lack of understanding and I think education is the key for most things in the world."

If Ness Lake changes its policy, Hewlett said she would happily use the camp.

"I don't want to boycott because I think Ness Lake Bible Camp offers a really great safe space for a lot of youth," she said, pointing to the 1,600 kids the camp saw this summer.

But she still thinks the camp should follow the B.C. Human Rights Code when it comes to discrimination, though its religious designation gives it the freedom not to.

"I really admire what they're doing and I have total respect for Ness Lake Bible Camp but I think it's unfair to hide behind religion and give you the opportunity to discriminate based on that religion.

That conversation has been controversial, but Hewlett said she welcomes it if it means giving more people insight into her reality.

"It's really inspired a lot of people to understand that (for) LGBTQ people equality is not here," she said.

"I think it just really shows we've come a long way, but we have a long way to go."