Former Leaders of 'Ex-Gay' Ministry Apologize
There are few more controversial issues in America than gay rights. And wrapped up in that larger debate is the question of whether homosexuality is a lifestyle choice or determined at birth. Many religious groups tend to accentuate the former, while scientific research seems to be increasingly pointing to the latter.
In an example of how complicated the debate has become, the Los Angeles Times reports three former leaders of the ministry Exodus International apologized Wednesday for their efforts to convince homosexuals that their sexual orientation could be changed through prayer. They said those actions have led to a "wrenching human toll" for gays and lesbians the ministry worked to convert.
The Associated Press reports that the former leaders -- co-founder Michael Bussee, who left the group in 1979; Jeremy Marks, former president of Exodus International Europe; and Darlene Bogle, the founder of Paraklete Ministries, an Exodus referral agency -- said that, although they had acted sincerely in their years with the Christian group, they had become disillusioned with promoting gay conversion.
"Some who heard our message were compelled to try to change an integral part of themselves, bringing harm to themselves and their families," the three said in a statement.
Their message was timed to coincide with the opening of Exodus International's annual meeting in Irvine, Calif.
The Times reports that Exodus President Alan Chambers disagreed with the organization's critics and said his group has helped many people who want an alternative to living as a homosexual. The Orlando, Fla.-based group includes more than 120 ministries in the United States and Canada and more than 150 ministries overseas.
2:55 PM ET | 06-28-2007 | permalink
