Ex-gay groups become a hot topic in recent months as news of the deaths of several gay men in such groups has made headlines in recent times. While the debate about the morality and legality of such groups rages on, one group in particular, Exodus International, has decided to close its doors for good.
Exodus International is reportedly the “oldest and largest Christian ministry dealing with faith and homosexuality,” has been brainwashing gay and bisexual people into renouncing their sexuality for 37 years. The organization was also the subject of an episode of OWN’s “Our America With Lisa Ling” about ex-gay organizations.
In recent years, Exodus’ board of directors has found it increasingly difficult to perform “ex-gay” work. On Wednesday, Exodus’ president, Alan Chambers, released a statement posted on Exodus’ site, announcing the closing of the organization and apologizing to the LGBT community for the damage it’s done to its former patients.
“I am sorry for the pain and hurt that many of you have experienced. I am sorry some of you spent years working through the shame and guilt when your attractions didn’t change. I am sorry we promoted sexual orientation change efforts and reparative theories about sexual orientation that stigmatized parents,” Chambers wrote.
“I am sorry I didn’t stand up to people publicly ‘on my side’ who called you names like sodomite—or worse” Chambers continued. “I am sorry that I, knowing some of you so well, failed to share publicly that the gay and lesbian people I know were every bit as capable of being amazing parents as the straight people that I know. I am sorry that when I celebrated a person coming to Christ and surrendering their sexuality to Him, I callously celebrated the end of relationships that broke your heart. I am sorry I have communicated that you and your families are less than me and mine.”
Wow. We commend Chambers and Exodus’ board of directors for their decision. Hopefully, other ex-gay organizations will eventually follow suit. Check out some other famous cases of ex-gay camps and organizations below. – nicholas robinson
