Community Action Leads to Arrest of Anti-Gay 'Faith Healer'
TILBURG - Tom de Wal, the controversial founder of Frontrunners Ministries who claims he can "liberate" people from homosexuality, was arrested on the street in Tilburg on Friday evening. The arrest followed a chaotic series of events that saw his planned "healing service" cancelled and moved due to public outcry and protests from LGBTQ+ organizations and their allies.
The situation escalated when De Wal, defiant after being denied access to a church in Tilburg, attempted to conduct his services on the public sidewalk. Police intervened and arrested him in the middle of an interview with Omroep Brabant.
From Hotel Ballroom to Church Doorstep
The confrontation in Tilburg was the culmination of a week of activism. De Wal's organization had initially booked a conference room at a Van der Valk hotel in Eindhoven for a weekend of services. However, once word spread about his ministry's history of promoting dangerous conversion therapy rhetoric, LGBTQ+ groups announced plans to protest the event.
Facing pressure and the prospect of demonstrations, the Van der Valk hotel chain made the decision to cancel the booking. A spokesperson for the hotel confirmed they made the decision independently after consulting with police and the municipality.
Forced to find a new venue, Frontrunners Ministries relocated to a church in Tilburg. But here, too, they were met with resistance. The municipality of Tilburg prohibited the gathering, citing a lack of the required permits. When De Wal and his followers attempted to proceed with the service regardless, police were called to clear the building.
Protest and Denial
A group of around 25 protesters, including members from feminist group Dolle Mina's and various LGBTQ+ organizations, gathered peacefully outside the church, making their opposition to De Wal's harmful message clear. Police cordoned off the area to keep the peace.
In response to the cancellations, De Wal released a video statement blaming "lies and slander" from LGBTQ+ organizations. He specifically denied that his ministry has ever prayed for "gay healing," a claim that contradicts his known rhetoric about being able to "liberate" people from homosexuality and autism.
Released but Defiant
De Wal was released from custody shortly before midnight. In a subsequent Instagram video, he framed his arrest as a violation of his religious freedom, calling it a "bizarre event." He vowed to continue his work, stating, "We will not be stopped. That is my message."
The incident highlights the ongoing struggle against conversion therapy practices in the Netherlands and demonstrates the power of community organizing in preventing platforms for those who spread harmful and discriminatory messages against the LGBTQ+ community.
