Exodus International, the "ex-gay" Christian organization that in the past practiced “conversion therapy,” announced this week it is shutting down, and I couldn't be happier.
Alan Chambers, president of Exodus, issued a stirring apology in a statement posted to the organization's website. In it, Chambers recounts his own same-sex attractions and says that he hopes to mend the damage done by Exodus over the years to members of the LGBTQ community.
Exodus International was founded in 1976 and was considered by some to be among the most harmful anti-gay organizations. In February 2012, the "Love Won Out" conference sponsored by Exodus came to Georgia and dozens of LGBT activists protested. Among the protesters was Wayne Besen, founder of Truth Wins Out, who has spoken for years against Exodus and called gay conversion therapy "junk science."
Reaction from gay groups was mostly positive, reinforcing that it pays to be gracious in victory.
Coming to Helen, Ga., this Nov. 8-11 is the "ex-gay" conference titled "Follow Me Discipleship Retreat." And this comes after Love Won Out brought its "ex-gay" conference to Villa Rica in February.
Seems like Georgia is a favorite place for ex-gay conference.
Joe Jervis at the blog JoeMyGod reports on the "ex-gay" conference to be led by "ex-gay" pastor DL Foster . Other speakers include James Pennyman, Rev. Kyra Jones and Poetic Prophet J. Elijah.
(And, oh yeah, what does the DL stand for?)
Atlanta's Queer Justice League announced today plans to protest an upcoming “ex-gay” conference to be held in Villa Rica, Ga. on Feb. 18. The conference is being organized by Exodus International, a religious organization whose mission is “helping others live a life that reflects the Christian faith and to encouraging the global, Christian church to model Christ-like compassion to a hurting world.”
The conference, Love Won Out – Atlanta, will feature Christian “experts” on homosexuality and will address how the church can respond to "homosexual lifestyles with the truth and grace of Christ.” The conference will be held at Midway Church.
Organizers from the QJL, Act Out Savannah, GetEQUAL, Truth Wins Out and the Southern Poverty Law Center are calling for volunteers to protest the anti-gay conference.