Today, I do not go to Church, but I believe in GOD and I know that MY God is so much MORE than the Christian EX GAY GOD that these people preach.

as compared to

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Sigh. Yet again “Christianity” trumps Christ.

If I read your comments correctly, Karen, it seems that you think that gays should not be discriminated against in work or housing… except for by Christians. Is it any wonder that many people today think the word “Christian” means “hateful and cruel”?

And, yes, I did “accuse” Alan of doing “damage control” — and I stand by that. I think it was needed. ALL organizations need to from time-to-time. I am not upset with him for distancing himself from Cohen, NARTH or PFOX. They deserved it. And it took real moral courage to do it.

How about a compromise?I am willing to leave out “non-discrimination” item if the non-violence statement could be issued. How about I give them another six months or so? I think that might be enough time to herd the cats — at least on an issue about which Jesus has ALDRADY issued a public statement — “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you…”

Michael, over the last several weeks, I have really “heard” your heart and frustration about the ways Exodus has changed from the vision you had for it 30+ years ago. Transforming Congregations, to much smaller degree, has undergone much the same in the almost 20 years of our existence. We started as a purely educational ministry, putting out a lengthy journal and frequent newsletter. It morphed into something else under the leadership of my two predecessors – getting more actively involved in United Methodist struggles and doing one-on-one counseling. My vision (and that of my current Board) is to teach churches to reach out with compassion, but also Biblical fidelity. I expect that vision will change whenever I leave and every time we have transition on our Board.

That’s what Exodus is going through with the continuing transition under Alan’s leadership. As I already posted on another thread, he is trying to “herd cats.” When he “speaks,” he does so for 100+ very different member ministries and for 30+ years of lots of people saying lots of things and using lots of different methodologies. And then when he does respond, do the right thing and attempt to clarify – what you’ve all been asking for – you (and it was you personally, Michael) accuse him of doing PR and damage control. (Not to mention that Alan’s also under the oversight of a Board of Directors who I imagine have some say in setting policy.)

Just using your above statement as an example – I don’t think Exodus can (or should) issue a “simple” statement about non-discrimination. (Non-violence, yes. That is always wrong.) But my own stance – already admittedly NOT well thought out – is that I think LGBT persons should not be discrimated against in housing and employment. But NOT if their rights infringes on another person’s religious rights.

Many Christians I talk to would not want to rent to gay or lesbian couples – or to non-married heterosexual couples either. They feel that it would compromise their morals and faith because they would be enabling someone else’s sin. (And they also tell me they might relent if there were no other housing options available.) Now you can disagree with any or all of that, but I use it as an example of the complexity of dealing with gay rights within the conservative community. It’s not all cut and dried.

Yes, the Exodus family needs to hear your concerns and respond as faithfully as we can without compromising our goals and mission. But I don’t think many of you are being realistic about your personal expectations of Alan.

After months, I am just very frustrated, as you must be. I am frustrated with the ongoing defense of the term “ex-gay” — and with your explanation that you wanted to “provoke” or “vex” the media by using the term. Anyway I slice it, that’s not honest. You know as well as I do that it gives the impression that the person is no longer homosexual. That’s misleading and confusing, Ed, no matter how well-intentioned you may have been.

I am asking you and EXODUS to STOP using deliberately provocative or vexing terms. If you TRULY want dialog and not just media hype, you have to be very CLEAR in your use on language — employing terms that are readily understandable to the general public in common use — not vewing or provocative.

Let you “yes” be “yes” and your “no” be “no”. Joe Dallas was accidentally THIS honest when he admitted (under considerable pressure) that “ex-gay does not mean ex-homosexual”. All I am asking is of you and EXODUS to match his honesty.

I am also frustrated that Alan Chambers seems more preoccupied with EXODUS’s media image than justice and fairness. He does not seem to have ewither the “heart” or the “urgency” to speak out CLEARLY on EXODUS’s behalf — and issue a SIMPLE, LOVING, CHRISTIAN statement of non-violence and non-discrimination against gays. I have made my feelings on the matter very clear. ALl I am asking Alan to do the same. Is that too much to ask?