May 2, 2013

The following excerpts are from the article “Former Ex-gay Spokesman John Paulk Apologizes Amid Divorce” on the Christianity Today website: “John Paulk, once a poster boy for the ex-gay movement, disappeared from the public eye after he left his role as chairman of Exodus International in 2003. Now, 10 years later, Paulk is back in the spotlight–but this time he’s apologizing for the reparative therapy he used to promote.”

“News broke when Paulk, who now works as a caterer in Portland, Oregon, told Proud Queer Monthly (PQ) that he no longer supports the ‘ex-gay movement or efforts to attempt to change [individuals’ sexual orientation].’ Paulk then issued a formal letter of apology (full text below), which revealed that he and his wife Anne Paulk, who describes herself as a former lesbian, are seeking a divorce. (The couple participated together in controversial ad campaigns.)”

“‘Today, I do not consider myself ‘ex-gay’ and I no longer support or promote the movement,’ John Paulk wrote. ‘I know that countless people were harmed by things I said and did in the past, Parents, families, and their loved ones were negatively impacted by the notion of reparative therapy and the message of change. I am truly, truly sorry for the pain I have caused.'”

“Anne Paulk issued her own statement through the Restored Hope Network Facebook page several days after her husband’s story first appeared in PQ. She confirmed that she and John Paulk are divorcing, but she emphasized that his life choices contrast with hers.”

“I have walked the path that God has put before me, alongside those I love. There are also certain paths I have refused to walk down, dark and dangerous paths of deceit and sin. Someone dear to me has made different choices followed by very different words. And there, on that path, our ways part sadly. … His conclusions and mine are very different in key ways. I would ask that you join me in praying for his decisions regarding his future, hope, God’s truest freedom, and love to direct his decisions.”

“In a later statement, Anne Paulk added, ‘I have been true to my marriage vows and true to Christ. Though my heart has been tremendously grieved by John’s words and moral choices, I have chosen–and will continue to choose–to follow Christ, care for my boys, and serve Restored Hope Network.’” …