Truth Wins Out Associate Director Evan Hurst:
We applaud and congratulate Alan Chambers for his willingness to approach this decision with honesty, integrity and authenticity. It takes a real man to publicly confront the people whose lives were destroyed by his organization’s work, and to take real, concrete action to begin to repair that damage, and to work to ensure that no more lives are destroyed by harmful, discredited ‘ex-gay’ therapy. We look forward to a day when we can truly consider Alan to be an ally.
Dr. Sharon Groves, director of the HRC Religion and Faith Program:
We are encouraged that Exodus International has made the right decision to close down their doors and spare the next generation of the psychological and spiritual trauma they have caused to so many – particularly vulnerable young people. This is a welcome first step in honestly addressing the harm the organization and its leaders have caused over the past 37 years. Now we need them to take the next step of leadership and persuade all other religious-based institutions that they got it wrong. This is the right kind of reparative work that is left for them to do.
Exodus was the oldest and largest pseudo-religious organization telling vulnerable people there was something wrong with them, when in fact they are God’s children. But the truth remains there are other organizations out there perpetuating the same myths, telling young people they aren’t loved and perfect the way they are, and causing grave harm in so many people.
Ross Murray, Director of News and Faith Initiatives for GLAAD:
Alan Chambers, and the rest of the Exodus leadership, has fully and completely come to the realization that their so-called ‘ministry’ has done harm to thousands of people,” said. “They are coming to the right decision to end that harm now.
Now, if Brian Brown and the other closet cases at the National Organization for Marriage could just take a hint.
Top photo: Exodus International President Alan Chambers (Photo courtesy Exodus International)