Exodus International Board and members condemn Uganda’s proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill

As a follow up to a letter delivered to Uganda’s President Yowari Museveni, the board and many member ministries of Exodus International have issued a statement condemning Uganda’s proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill 2009.

Due to the continued threat of Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009, introduced before the Ugandan parliament on October 14, 2009, and bills like it in other nations, the Board of Directors of Exodus International and its North American membership felt a vital need to issue the following statement:

The statement is very similar to the letter which was delivered to the Ugandan President in November, 2009. The statement in full after the jump:

“Exodus International believes that every human life, regardless of an individual’s sexual behavior, is of inestimable worth to God and that defending this principle is foundational in offering a Christian response to any issue. As such, Exodus International has not and will not support any legislation that deprives others of life and dignity including, but not limited to, Uganda’s Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009. We stand with all who are defending this basic, biblical tenet and remain committed to sharing the compassion, hope and life-giving truth and grace of Jesus Christ.

“In November of 2009, several of us sent a letter to Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and First Lady Musenevi expressing our concerns regarding The Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009. The legislation would render some homosexual practices crimes punishable by life imprisonment and possible death. We believe that sexual crimes against children, whether committed by someone of the same or opposite sex, are the most serious of offenses and should be punished; we consider same-sex behavior in consensual adult relationships another matter.

Since the Bible clearly states that homosexual behavior was not part of God’s creative intent for human sexual expression, the Christian church must remain a safe, compassionate and confidential place. If homosexual behavior and knowledge of such behavior is criminalized and prosecuted, as proposed in this bill, church and ministry leaders will be unable to assist hurting men, women and youth who might otherwise seek help in addressing this personal issue. The Christian church must be permitted to extend the love and compassion of Christ to all, regardless of an individual’s adherence to scripture. We believe that such legislation would make this mission a difficult, if not impossible, task to carry out.

Many of us, and those we know and work with, have personally struggled with same-sex attractions and some have lived as gay-identified individuals, but we have since found a new identity in Jesus Christ. We now live our lives to reflect the transformation that is available to those who submit their mind, will and emotions to the Lordship of Christ. We sincerely believe that such transformation cannot be achieved in an environment of government coercion where the vital support, care and compassion of the Christian community is discouraged and prosecuted. In addition, it wasn’t through coercion that Christ set us free, but through the gracious invitation He extended to us for relationship and the freedom He gave us to choose our own path.

The body of the letter is followed by signatures of the Exodus staff, board and many member ministries.  I hope this gets to the Ugandan press and others there who might be influenced to reconsider their stance.

14 thoughts on “Exodus International Board and members condemn Uganda’s proposed Anti-Homosexuality Bill”

  1. Ann–

    I’m thinking that Sempa and Bahati are too entrenched in their campaign to listen to ANYone. I would wonder, though, if meeting with other Christians and/or conservatives would have an impact.

    My gut says, though, that this might not be wise or prudent. I sincerely believe that the Exodus board member who spoke at the conference thought that his voice would provide a ‘softening’ impact and would encourage understanding and compassion…and those efforts backfired horribly.

    I’ll pray for them whatever course they take but those are my cautionary thoughts on such an action.

  2. Is there a possibility that representatives from Exodus could actually meet face to face with Martin Sempra and/or members of the Ugandan government and bring this letter with them?

  3. Of course, to those who oppose Exodus, it isn’t enough. It will never be enough. That’s why I’ve personally encouraged Exodus not to even try to placate their enemies. Do what’s true to your heart and your calling. Do what’s right and responsible in relation to the world at large. But don’t try to please those who have nothing but contempt for your goals and vision…they simply aren’t worth the extra time and energy…no matter how much you give, they will immediately demand more.

    Eddy,

    Thank you Eddy – I appreciate what you wrote here on many levels and particularly appreciate your encouragement to Exodus and it’s affiliates.

  4. Sounds good, Warren.

    I especially like the part about releasing this statement to the Ugandan press.

  5. I do not think the statement was made to please critics. My speculation: I think after the Nightline show where Alan offered to speak on behalf of Exodus, the idea of the statement was probably floated to member ministries and their board. It took awhile to make the contacts and get the signatures and then here it is.

    It will do the most good if it gets into the Ugandan press, and I trust efforts are being made to do that.

    Without trying to shut down conversation, I will say that I am going to monitor this more closely and will delete flames or attacks on people. Think twice before commenting.

  6. I like the statement. (But, of course, I’m biased.)

    Exodus could have stayed with just their original letter and have that ‘on the record’ that they did speak out. With the extensive list of signers, it demonstrates that this matter did have Exodus’ attention and that they have made it a matter for serious discussion and consideration.

    Of course, to those who oppose Exodus, it isn’t enough. It will never be enough. That’s why I’ve personally encouraged Exodus not to even try to placate their enemies. Do what’s true to your heart and your calling. Do what’s right and responsible in relation to the world at large. But don’t try to please those who have nothing but contempt for your goals and vision…they simply aren’t worth the extra time and energy…no matter how much you give, they will immediately demand more.

  7. This is a good statement. Can’t be all things to all people and some are going to have to realize that we do see things differently under what is God’s created intent.

  8. From Randy Thomas, just posted on Box Turtle Bulletin:

    Randy

    March 22nd, 2010 | LINK

    Our blog is an official Exodus Website.

    I am grateful for this clarification. Over a year since the what Alan Chambers calls the “horrible conference”, and FINALLY a letter signed by “Alan Chambers, vice president, Randy Thomas, board chair Bob Ragan, and fifty-one other board members and ex-gay ministry leaders, including Don Schmierer.” I am curious. Are there any Board members or afilliates who refused to sign?

    Like Dr. Throckmorton, I hope this helps. But it is not enough. Still no official policies against criminalization and forced treatment on the Home Page. Still no press release to the media. No request for ABC news or other news outlet to give the Board another chance to express its “disdain for the Bill” — and no official word of “apology” — something Alan says he would have “loved nothing better” than to do. Maybe in another year?

  9. “I would have loved nothing better than to share our disdain for this bill and apologize for going anywhere near such a horrible conference.” — Alan Chambers, 3/10/10.

    Did this statement express that? Did you hear an apology?

    I hope this gets to the Ugandan press and others there who might be influenced to reconsider their stance. — W. Throckmorton

    Has Exodus contacted the national media here?

    “What is true, however, and worth all the news media coverage possible, is the tragic nature of and heartbreaking potential this bill holds. Please join me, and Rachel Maddow by extension, in voicing your concern over this bill.” — Don Schmierer, Exodus Board Member — 12/3/09

    I agree. This is worth “all the media coverage possible”. Is Exodus considering a press release? Perhaps contacting ABC news? Other news outlets?

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