July 18, 2013

On his blog titled “Some Christians Shift on Gays – Alan Chambers in USA Today” Randy Thomas pointed out his favorite quote from Tom Krattenmaker’s column in USA Today: “A couple of years ago, in announcing Exodus International’s resignation from the anti-gay ‘Day of Truth’ in high schools, Chambers said, ‘We need to equip kids to live out biblical tolerance and grace, while treating their neighbors as they’d like to be treated.’ Now, in launching his Reduce Fear campaign, he again draws from the Bible. Exodus, he says, has been ‘imprisoned in a worldview that’s neither honoring toward our fellow human beings, nor biblical. From a Judeo-Christian perspective, gay, straight or otherwise, we’re all prodigal sons and daughters. … God is calling us to … welcome everyone, to love unhindered.'”

(Analysis by Ex-Gay Truth editor Thomas Coy: Alan is right in saying that all Christians are prodigal sons and daughters. (more…)

July 16, 2103

The following excerpt is from the article “Ex-Gay Movement, Alive, Strong, and Moving Forward!” by Linda Jernigan on the Illinois Family Institute website: “It is the opinion of some that the ex-gay movement is dead or near death following the cowardly retreat of Exodus International. I am here to declare emphatically that nothing could be further from the truth. Ex-homosexuals are more focused and more determined than ever to ensure our message is transmitted globally to the ears and hearts of homosexuals everywhere.” (more…)

July 12, 2013

The following excerpts are from the article “Non-sexualized Boy Scouts alternative launched” by Matt Barber on the World Net Daily website: … “On Saturday, June 29, I, along with nearly 50 top Christian, youth and scouting leaders from across the nation, took part in a private, landmark meeting in Louisville, Ky. The meeting was convened to lay the groundwork for a principled, values-based scout-like youth character development program for young men. Although some finishing touches remain (such as the organization’s official name), a press conference was recently held in Washington, D.C., to announce the launch of this exciting new organization.”

“‘Our vision is to be the premier national character development organization for young men which produces Godly and responsible husbands, fathers, and citizens,’ notes the news release.” (more…)

July 10, 2013

The following excerpts are from the article “How Faith Can Affect Therapy” By Ashley Taylor on the New York Times website: … “‘Patients who had higher levels of belief in God demonstrated more effects of treatment,’ said the study’s lead author, David H. Rosmarin, a psychologist at McLean Hospital and director of the Center for Anxiety in New York. ‘They seemed to get more bang for their buck, so to speak.’”

“One possible reason for this, he said, is that ‘patients who had more faith in God also had more faith in treatment. They were more likely to believe that the treatment would help them, and they were more likely to see it as credible and real.’” (more…)

July 1, 2013

The following excerpts are from the July 1, 2013 Help 4 Families newsletter: “In recent weeks Help 4 Families has been receiving calls and emails to ask about our current status with Exodus International. It is important for us to address this again for the sake of others who may be asking the same question. In March of 2012 Help 4 Families resigned from the Exodus International as we had become aware of the slippery slope Exodus was sliding down. The Help 4 Families board of directors voted unanimously to resign immediately.”

“The path that Exodus has taken in the last couple years has saddened our hearts. Alan Chambers has chosen on his own authority to send a message that change is not possible for those who struggle with homosexuality and gender issues. (more…)

June 30, 2013

The following excerpt is from the testimony “My Roller Coaster Ride to Freedom from Unwanted SSA” published on the JONAH website: … “Thank G-d my mom persisted and finally I attended a JONAH meeting where I heard three men who were willing to share their experiences about their journey out of unwanted SSA. I was able to identify with these men and their backgrounds. Our stories were somewhat similar in a weird way. Although I still wasn’t convinced that this work was for me, something clicked inside me and I agreed to give it a try. Little did I realize then that I was agreeing to get on the most volatile roller coaster of my life; mind you I should also say the most rewarding one as well.” (more…)

June 24, 2013

Following is the “Statement by Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX) on the demise of Exodus” as published on the PFOX website: “Many of you have heard the announcement by Alan Chambers that Exodus International has closed its doors, and will no longer provide hope for families or help for those seeking to overcome unwanted same sex attractions. This announcement has brought national attention to homosexual and gender issues. I believe this is an opportunity for ex-gays to speak up and let the public know that change is possible through ministry, therapy, and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. During Exodus’ 37 years of ministry, thousands of men and women found change and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that transcended homosexual behavior. (more…)

June 22, 2013

The following press release “Official ON response to Exodus International organizational cessation” has been reprinted in its entirety: “Orlando,FL, June 21, 2013 – The Executive Staff and Officers of the Overcomers Network (ON) join the Christian community in acknowledging the decision to shut down Exodus International – the oldest and largest Christian ministry dealing with faith and homosexuality. We grieve with those leaders and members of this organization that may have been adversely affected by this decision, and stand in faith that God’s ultimate plan will be manifested in their lives. However, even as we acknowledge the impact of this decision – we are confident that the ministry to those desiring to leave the homosexual lifestyle and pursue God’s divine plan for their lives will continue to move forward through the work of ministries, Christian leaders, and organizations such as – The Overcomers Network. (more…)

June 21, 2013

The following article “Exodus International Closes Its Doors Following Troubling Leadership of Alan Chambers” by Laurie Higgins on the Illinois Family Institute website has been reprinted in its entirety: The president of Exodus International, Alan Chambers, has just announced in an extended apology to homosexuals, that he is closing Exodus International, the ministry for those who experience unwanted same-sex attraction, and from its ashes he is creating a new organization titled “Reduce Fear.” The “fear” to which the name refers emanates from theologically orthodox churches that teach the whole counsel of God, including the pesky parts about God’s condemnation of homosexual acts. Apparently, Chambers doesn’t want to scare those who affirm homosexuality with bothersome biblical truths about eternity. (more…)

May 21, 2013

In Alan Chambers’ May 2013 letter “A Changing World” he attempts to explain his move away from evangelical action to missional action. The following excerpt is from the Exodus International website: … “My time in Malaysia, as well as the dozens of other countries and cultures where I have traveled and lived, taught me a great deal about being missional rather than evangelical, servant hearted rather than demanding, and listening before I speak. The more I think about these experiences and the lessons that I’ve learned, the more I realize that this is what I believe the role of the Church must be in our post-Christian world.” (more…)