True Freedom Trust (TFT) is a UK-based teaching and pastoral support ministry for those “seeking help with unwanted same-sex attractions or similar issues.” TFT “holds to the orthodox biblical view of sex, gender and relationships.” They “provide pastoral care for those who struggle with same-sex temptations.”
Background
True Freedom Trust was founded in 1977 by Anglican minister L. Roy Barker (1924–2004) and ex-gay activist Martin Hallett.
The similar group Turnabout UK was founded by Chris Medcalf in the 1980s as a Christian ministry for gay men. The two organizations merged, and Medcalf reportedly led TFT until resigning in 1995, allegedly over improper conduct involving clients.
In 2001, UK ex-gay ministry Courage UK announced it was now gay-affirming, Hallett confirmed that TFT still held the view that homosexual “genital activity” was always wrong. Hallett retired in 2009. In 2021, Hallett posted: All this evidence of scriptural research and integrity plus the witness of those in committed relationships has led me to change my own conclusions. I can no longer say that homosexual relationships are all condemned by God.”
In October 2014, True Freedom Trust became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
People
Founders
- L. Roy Barker (active 1977–2004)
- Martin Hallett (active 1977–2009)
Staff
- Nat Johnson: Director (2025–)
- Ruth Daly: Resource and Volunteer Coordinator
- Owen: Digital Media Technician & Events Coordinator
- Sarah: Pastoral Team Manager
Former staff
- Stuart Parker: Director (2018–2025)
- Jonathan Berry: Director (2009–2018)
- Chris Medcalf: Director (from 1980s Turnabout UK merger until 1995)
- Rob Wood: Head of Speaking and Teaching (formerly listed)
- Phil Barnett: Voluntary worker, oversser, and pastoral advisor (formerly listed)
- Alison: Finance Coordinator (formerly listed)
Trustees
- Donald John Dewar
- Duncan Beet
- Laura Oliver
- Robert Walsh
- Graham Baker
- Naomi Skull
- Iain Baker
References
Staff report (2022–). Conversion Therapy Online: The Players. GRAPHE: Global Project Against Hate and Extremism https://globalextremism.org/reports/conversion-therapy-online-the-players/
Staff report (2026). Harmful Conversion “Therapy” Proponents: True Freedom Trust. GLAAD https://glaad.org/harmful-conversion-therapy-proponents-true-freedom-trust/
Marks, Jeremy (April 20, 2012). Experience: I tried to ‘cure’ gay people. The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2012/apr/20/i-tried-to-cure-gay-people
Anti-trans coverage
Day, Elizabeth (May 16, 2004). Rebel parish to fund ‘cure’ for homosexuals. The Telegraph https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1462001/Rebel-parish-to-fund-cure-for-homosexuals.html
Resources
Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org)
True Freedom Trust (truefreedomtrust.co.uk)
- About Us
- truefreedomtrust.co.uk/about-us
- Meet The Staff Team
- truefreedomtrust.co.uk/team [archive]
- Transgender
- truefreedomtrust.co.uk/search/node?keys=transgender
X/Twitter (x.com)
Facebook (facebook.com)
YouTube (youtube.com)
Charity Commission for England and Wales (charitycommission.gov.uk)
- True Freedom Trust: harity number 1159015
- register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/en/charity-search/-/charity-details/5048189