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Exodus International
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Exodus International was a nonprofit, interdenominational Christian organization promoting the message of "freedom from homosexuality" through the power of Jesus Christ.
In other words, Exodus International was a proponent of reparative therapy, a practice founded on the belief that "homosexual tendencies [are] one of many disorders that beset fallen humanity," and that "reorientation of same sex attraction is possible." In short, "pray away the gay".
The Advocate caught an offshoot of this group in 1987 trying to corner AIDS patients in their hospital rooms with the suggestion they stop being gay. [1]
The organization was opposed to legislation targeting hate crimes, labeling such laws "thought crime laws" on the grounds that they "pave the way to prosecute biblical beliefs about homosexuality, instead of prosecuting illegal actions that harm others."
Despite their guarded language they made clear links between homosexuality and pedophilia[2] and called homosexuals dangerous to the well being of the family and America.[3]
If you were thinking of using their services you might want to consider the history of one of their co-founders — Michael Bussee — who is now strongly critical of such groups.[4] He also fell in love with one of the other co-founders; both now accepting they were gay. Love conquers all!
During 2012, Exodus International president Alan Chambers (himself an "ex-gay") disavowed reparative therapy as something which offers false hope but fails to "cure" gays like himself of their homosexual tendencies. This apparent U-turn has caused some controversy within the movement.[5]
Exodus International shut down in June 2013, offering a blanket apology to the LGBT community.[6]
References
- ↑ The 45 Biggest Homophobes of Our 45 Years | Advocate.com
- ↑ Exodus International — Is there a connection between homosexuality and predatory behavior, like pedophilia? (Wayback Machine copy)
- ↑ Exodus International — Is Homosexuality a Threat to the Family? To America? (Wayback Machine copy)
- ↑ Michael Bussee Ex-Gay Leader Apology — Beyond Ex-Gay (Wayback Machine copy)
- ↑ "Rift Forms in Movement as Belief in Gay ‘Cure’ Is Renounced", New York Times, July 6, 2012.
- ↑ I Am Sorry | Exodus International (blog, archived copy from the Wayback Machine)