Individual ministries within EXODUS have differing approaches, different ministry focus, different theological approaches, varying degrees of ‘professionalism’. An EXODUS conference is usually a smorgasbord of teaching sessions. In my day, someone could elect to attend my ‘lessons for the battlefield’ or they could opt for a class on ‘charismatic inner healing’ or maybe a ‘spouse’s session’. A person COULD come away from a week long conference having only heard ‘what they wanted to’…they could skip out on theologies or approaches that differed from their own.

Whether that’s good or bad is not for me to say. I’m just saying that’s the way it was–and I think still is.

Jayhuck noted that Michael’s story of his heterosexual marriage and divorce is an excellent example of what’s wrong with EXODUS. I just want to make it clear that Michael’s marriage pretty much coincided with (and may have even preceded) EXODUS. Before the ‘coming together’ of the various ministries across the US, each came from their own church and/or ministry. The responsibility for Michael’s failed marriage does not belong to EXODUS but rather to Michael and his local church and ministry. Like I said, EXODUS hadn’t happened yet.

Jayhuck, I attended about 10 EXODUS conferences–admittedly some years back–and I NEVER saw heterosexuality being flashed about in the manner you describe. (But, then again, I never attended the ‘inner healing’ sessions. See above.) At the same time, the news of ‘somebody that actually got married’ would spread rather quickly. Some were fascinated by the concept; others were literally freaked out. And, there was a tendency among many to see the married guy as ‘more healed’. Some of the theologies did embrace this as ‘ultimate proof of God’s healing’.

I keep thinking that this is where the impression originated that EXODUS promises and preaches heterosexuality. And, let’s be truthful, if you were a media person covering the event, which would you be more likely to report on: the ex-gay guy who says he’s now happily heterosexual or the one who’s talking about reckoning with temptation? I believe that, although EXODUS conferences were presenting a more balanced picture, the media capitalized on the sensational.

I do want EXODUS Headquarters to get out of politics. If they feel they must remain politically involved, then I feel it’s imperative that they severe all ties with that right wing Republican/Christian beast that they’ve gotten tangled up with. Guilt by association with such hypocrisy does not serve EXODUS well. If EXODUS remains politically involved, I feel it must constantly reiterate two distinctions–1) the difference between EXODUS point of view and the beast above 2) the difference between EXODUS HQ — its member agencies and –ex-gays in general.

Frankly, I think it’s just too confusing on both fronts and HQ should cease making any political statements at all. If individuals or local ministries want to get involved, that’s their business BUT they can’t claim to be speaking for EXODUS or for ex-gays in general.

But anyhow, how would it feel to someone if you invited them in to a ministry and then if they did not change or whatever you have this public statement saying that you do not support their choices (because that’s you call it) and you are going to vote against them, their families, their everything that protects you because you think it is bad policy or because homosexuals are bad for society? It would not make me trust the people that were “trying” to help me.

I can totally understand that people have different opinions and values and vote differently. But to make politics part of your ministry is just shameful to me and almost sinful.

Okay broken man/woman/child “Heal!” and if you don’t we don’t give you legal rights. (Because God said it is okay to say so) Yeah – right????