News
2007-06-29
Former leaders of
"ex-gay" ministry apologize for "bringing harm"
Former Exodus
leaders apologize
Three former
leaders of a ministry that coun
Three former
leaders of a ministry that counsels gays to change their
sexual orientation have apologized, saying that although
they acted sincerely, their message caused isolation,
shame, and fear.
The former
leaders of the interdenominational Christian organization
Exodus International said Wednesday they had become
disillusioned with promoting gay "conversion."
''Some who heard
our message were compelled to try to change an integral
part of themselves, bringing harm to themselves and their
families,'' the three said in a statement released
outside the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
The statement was
from former Exodus cofounder Michael Bussee, who left
the group in 1979; Jeremy Marks, former president of Exodus
International Europe; and Darlene Bogle, founder of
Paraklete Ministries, an Exodus referral agency.
The statement
coincided with the opening of Exodus's annual conference,
which is being held this week at Concordia University in
Irvine, Calif.
Current Exodus
president Alan Chambers said the ministry's methods have
helped many people, including himself.
''Exodus is here
for people who want an alternative to homosexuality,''
Chambers said by phone. ''There are thousands of people like
me who have overcome this. I think there's room for
more than one opinion on this subject, and giving
people options isn't dangerous.'
Founded in 1976,
the Orlando, Fla.–based Exodus has grown to include
more than 120 ministries in the United States and
Canada and over 150 ministries overseas. It promotes
''freedom from homosexuality'' through prayer,
counseling, and group therapy. (AP)
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