Comments on: More on Exodus youth standards

By: David Roberts

David Roberts — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 20:42:49 +0000

I would have to disagree, interjecting that “look, over here, someone has lower standards” is not helping this particular issue which is “More on Exodus youth standards.” And in general, I can’t see that this particular discussion is accomplishing much at all now. The earlier significance was due to Alan deciding to use you as an outlet for his comments.

Since this is the case, I will bow out as I should have the moment someone started quoting DL. That is always a good time to leave 😉

By: Warren

Warren — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 19:01:06 +0000

David – The issue is broadly how to provide safety in groups where adults and children mix to discuss sexual identity. I do not think anyone I know in the discussion on this blog wants to see anyone get a pass on appropriate boundaries.

In my view, the Exodus standards are a beginning and as time moves along, they will likely get stronger. I feel really good about the fact that we who comment here on this blog will have some input into that process. Despite our differences, this is a valuable way to work together.

By: David Roberts

David Roberts — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 17:36:25 +0000

Michael; Is the issue here whether or not we can find another organization which has inappropriate standards, or what are appropriate standards for Exodus?

By: Michael Bussee

Michael Bussee — Fri, 19 Jan 2007 16:50:29 +0000

* Do not bring anyone with you to the group unless they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning their sexuality and between the ages of 14 and 21. ”

That really scares me. Would such youth groups have ex-gay men (who by their own admission still struggle with gay temptations) mentoring emotionally troubled and vulnerable boys who are struggling with the very same temptations? Isn’t this taking a terrible risk?

A group of gay boys “questioning their sexuality between the ages of 14 and 21” sounds like a smorgasbord for pedophiles.

By: Michael Airhart

Michael Airhart — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:47:02 +0000

Instead of holding ex-gay youth groups accountable, Bert, DL, and Concerned Parent seem to believe that Exodus should live down to the worst “guidelines” that they can find in a cursory glance elsewhere.

I’m glad that some in Exodus are gradually aspiring to do better than that — and I’m gladder that several gay- and gay-affirming youth organizations have tougher guidelines than those of Exodus’ and are working with pro-youth advocates to make their guidelines even tougher.

If ex-gay advocates would spend more time minding the plank in their own eyes, and learning from the best that others (including gays) have to offer them, then they would have fewer problems with endangerment of youth in their “ministries.” The same is obviously true of any gay-affirming groups whose own standards are subpar.