In a stunning announcement, Alan Chambers, the President of Exodus International (EI), the "ex-gay ministry" that has harmed countless people, said this evening that EI has shut down.
This is a great relief to the gay community and to scientific community, both of whom have expressed great condemnation of the idea that you can change someone's sexual orientation.
More below the proudly gay-looking squiggle...
In a statement listed on EI's website:
Exodus International, the oldest and largest Christian ministry dealing with faith and homosexuality announced tonight that it’s closing its doors after three-plus decades of ministry. The Board of Directors reached a decision after a year of dialogue and prayer about the organization’s place in a changing culture.
“We’re not negating the ways God used Exodus to positively affect thousands of people, but a new generation of Christians is looking for change – and they want to be heard,” Tony Moore, Board member of Exodus. The message came less than a day after Exodus released a statement apologizing (www.exodusinternational.org/apology) to the gay community for years of undue judgment by the organization and the Christian Church as a whole.
EI has harmed countless people and the shutting of its doors and the issuance of an apology is very welcome. Chambers, in particular, has devastated lives through his own words and the promotion of EI's goals including is embrace of the vile reparative therapy.
I will also admit that I am taking this announcement with some caution. Although EI is shutting down, Chambers & Co. are opening another ministry called "Reduce Fear," whose goals are unclear.
Still, I am pleased to hear this news. EI has been a blight on America and it deserves to be tossed on the dung heap of other fake "ministries" that have done nothing more than tear at people's minds, hearts, bodies, and souls.
Interestingly, this announcement by EI comes on the heels of tomorrow's broadcast of "Our America with Lisa Ling" which features a group of EI survivors who confront Chambers in a roundtable setting in Los Angeles. Perhaps Chambers finally saw the face of his harm.
In any event, EI is no more.
Good riddance to bad rubbish.
12:02 AM PT: What the...?
The "rec list"?
I am pleased to see this get some exposure. This is very happy news indeed.
Thanks, Kossacks!