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The New York Times
Former Ex - Gay
Ministry Leaders Apologize
By AP from nytimes on
the Web, June 28, 2007
LOS ANGELES -- Three former
leaders of a ministry that counsels gays to change their sexual orientation
apologized, saying although they acted sincerely, their message had caused
isolation, shame and fear.
The former leaders of the interdenominational Christian organization Exodus
International said Wednesday 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 released outside the Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center.
The statement was from former Exodus 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.
The statement coincided with the opening of Exodus' annual conference, which is
being held this week at Concordia University in Irvine.
Exodus' president, Alan Chambers, said the ministry's methods have helped many
people, including himself.
''Exodus is here for people who want an alternative to homosexuality,'' Chambers
said by phone. ''There are thousands of people like me who have overcome this.
I think there's room for more than one opinion on this subject, and giving
people options isn't dangerous.''
Founded in 1976, the Orlando, Fla.-based Exodus has grown to include more than
120 ministries in the United States and Canada and over 150 ministries overseas.
It promotes ''freedom from homosexuality'' through prayer, counseling and group
therapy.
On the Net: Exodus International:
http://exodus.to/
Los Angeles Gay & Lesbian Center,
http://www.lagaycenter.org/
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