Exodus International has issued a public apology to gays and lesbians for “years of undue suffering and judgment at the hands of the organization and the Church as a whole.”
The apology came from President Alan Chambers, who writes in a blog post that his ministry not only has hurt many people, but also participated in a “system of ignorance” and “perpetuated that hurt” with the goal of reconciliation.
From Exodus’ apology:
“Recently, I have begun thinking again about how to apologize to the people that have been hurt by Exodus International through an experience or by a message. I have heard many firsthand stories from people called ex-gay survivors. Stories of people who went to Exodus affiliated ministries or ministers for help only to experience more trauma. I have heard stories of shame, sexual misconduct, and false hope. In every case that has been brought to my attention, there has been swift action resulting in the removal of these leaders and/or their organizations. But rarely was there an apology or a public acknowledgement by me.
“And then there is the trauma that I have caused. There were several years that I conveniently omitted my ongoing same-sex attractions. I was afraid to share them as readily and easily as I do today. They brought me tremendous shame and I hid them in the hopes they would go away. Looking back, it seems so odd that I thought I could do something to make them stop. Today, however, I accept these feelings as parts of my life that will likely always be there. The days of feeling shame over being human in that way are long over, and I feel free simply accepting myself as my wife and family does. As my friends do. As God does.”
Following this apology Exodus subsequently announced that the organization will be shutting down and would be starting a “new ministry for a new generation.”
In an interview with The Atlantic Chambers revealed little about the “new ministry” describing it as,
“Something non-religious, non-churchy, non-typical.To be honest, I’m not sure we’re starting a ministry. We’re starting an organization. We’re Christians starting an organization. We’ll see how that plays out.”
From Exodus’ announcement:
“Exodus is an institution in the conservative Christian world, but we’ve ceased to be a living, breathing organism. For quite some time we’ve 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. Exodus International is the prodigal’s older brother, trying to impose its will on God’s promises, and make judgments on who’s worthy of His Kingdom. God is calling us to be the Father – to welcome everyone, to love unhindered.
“For these reasons, the board of directors unanimously voted to close Exodus International and begin a separate ministry.
“This is a new season of ministry, to a new generation. Our goals are to reduce fear and come alongside churches to become safe, welcoming, and mutually transforming communities.
“Local affiliated ministries, which have always been autonomous, will continue, but not under the name or umbrella of Exodus.”
