FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2025
WESTERVILLE, OH - LOVEboldly acknowledges the passing of Dr. James Dobson, Jr., on August 21, 2025. We extend our condolences to his family and those who are grieving his loss. We pray that they will feel the grace and peace of God.
At the same time, we must honestly acknowledge that Dr. Dobson’s teachings and influence caused profound harm to countless LGBTQIA+ individuals and families over many decades. Through Focus on the Family and his extensive writings, Dr. Dobson promoted parenting approaches and theological interpretations that led to the rejection, condemnation, and emotional abuse of LGBTQIA+ children and adults.
His advocacy for conversion therapy, his characterization of LGBTQIA+ identities as disorders to be “cured,” and his teachings that encouraged parents to withdraw love and support from their LGBTQIA+ children directly contributed to family estrangement, mental health crises, and, tragically, suicide among many people, including many Queer Christians. These approaches stand in stark contrast to the message of Christ’s unconditional love and affirmation.
We have walked alongside too many survivors of these harmful teachings, individuals who were made to feel broken, sinful, and unworthy of love simply for being who God created them to be. We have witnessed the significant and ongoing trauma inflicted on families who were taught to choose ideology over their own children.
Further, we acknowledge and mourn the ways that Dr. Dobson's influence built and expanded the sin of White Christian nationalism in the United States.
While we recognize that Dr. Dobson believed he was following his faith convictions, we firmly believe that his interpretations were misguided and fundamentally unchristian. The Gospel calls us to love unconditionally, to embrace the marginalized, to find sacred worth in every person, and to see each person as bearing the image and likeness of God. True Christian love does not demand that LGBTQIA+ people change who they are to be acceptable to God or to their families.
We remain committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ individuals and families who continue to heal from these harmful teachings. We will continue advocating for affirming theology that recognizes God's love for all people, exactly as God created them to be.
Our hope is that Dr. Dobson’s passing can serve as a moment of reflection for faith communities to recommit themselves to the radical love and inclusion that Jesus modeled, a love that builds bridges rather than walls, that heals rather than harms, and that sees every person as beloved children of God.
//
For media inquiries or interviews, please contact:
Rev. Dr. Ben Huelskamp
Executive Director, LOVEboldly
