A BLOG BY ALAN CHAMBERS

I Forgive You

In the early 1990's I was a participant in an Exodus Member Ministry and was negatively affected by Darlene Bogle's decision to go back into homosexuality.  To have a leader who had written a book, led a ministry and spoken at conferences make such a decision was challenging for me in those early days.  I was disappointed and mad.  But, I also understood as an adult that we all make mistakes and that just because Darlene went back didn't mean that I couldn't make it.  I appreciate the apology she made, but I don't think she was apologizing to people like me.  Nonetheless, I forgave her a long time ago for saying things that she now indicates she didn't mean and for causing many to doubt that change was possible.

As for Michael, a man that I genuinely like, I think you have said everything about Exodus that needs to be said.  You were involved in an integral part of Exodus in the early days and for that I will always honor you and be grateful as will thousands of others.  Exodus helped save my life and you are a hero for pioneering this great work.  But, you left very shortly after you came and truth be told, I have now been a part of Exodus far longer than you.  I, and so many others, are the ones who have chosen to remain faithful to the mission of this ministry.  I encourage you to move on--live your life.  People are choosing to live their lives how they see fit---just as you are.  You chose something different than me and so many others.  Like Darlene, I don't think your apology was for people like me, but I do think both of you  owe one to those you hurt when you left this ministry.

To all three of you: Darlene, Michael and Jeremy, your time with Exodus is over and you have said your peace.  I encourage all of you to serve the Lord, live your lives and respect the fact that others have, can and will continue to choose a path different than the one you all are on respectively.

I am thankful for Exodus International and the leaders like Frank Worthen, Bob Davies, Joe Dallas, Sy Rogers, Andy Comiskey, Pat Lawrence, and countless others who have shown that people can live beyond homosexuality and that freedom is possible.

Wayne Besen's Glass House

Wayne Besen isn’t short on finger pointing. In fact, he is pointing at someone else all the time. To read Wayne’s Enquirer style rag blog (which I rarely do) you’d think that everyone in the world has something wrong with them, except him. Sounds like someone that should join the throng of liberal misery merchants waging daily war on the family on Capital Hill.

This week Wayne is pointing his finger at Regina Griggs calling her a LIAR. Well, Mr. B. before you get too far ahead of yourself, let’s take a look at the blatant LIES you tell in your piece from Monday, June 11, entitled, DR. WARREN THROCKMORTON HIDES BEHIND ANONYMOUS SOURCE IN CHICAGO TRIBUNE ARTICLE. The subtitle to it states: Exodus Puffs Up Numbers To Conceal Lack of Growth.

Well, that’s a lie in and of itself. Our numbers are what we say they are and can be verified by going to our website where the ministries are listed. As of this writing there are 164 Member Agencies a part of the Exodus Network. Those agencies are largely Member Ministries, which might or might not have therapists on staff, but mostly conduct support groups and provide resources to the communities that they are in. 

Exodus has a growing list of Professional Therapists, which may or may not run support groups. Mr. Besen blows his own smoke by manipulating the facts by saying we don’t have ministries in certain areas or states, but a Professional Therapist is just as much a representative of Exodus as a Member Ministry is. 

Wayne lies again when he claims that Exodus has “Zero Ministries” in states like Alabama where there are 2 Member Agencies. One is a Branch Ministry (same as a Member Ministry) and the other a Professional Therapist, which has all of the services of a Member Ministry and more. In fact, the Professional Therapist that runs the ministry in Mobile, Alabama is also a member of the APA. And I thought that all APA members were fairly represented by the anti-choice policies of that organization. Go figure.

As for Washington, DC, there’s not only no Exodus Member Ministry located in the District, there’s no airport, either. Yet, a hop, skip and a jump away is both Reagan National Airport (located in Virginia) and Regeneration Northern Virginia – a 20 year old Exodus Member Ministry. Sorry, Wayne, foiled again.

Oh, and Mastering Life Ministries is listed in Tennessee and Jacksonville because they have groups going in both locations just like Metanoia does in Tacoma (Seattle Area) and Ft. Lauderdale. 

Lastly, Exodus International is now partnering with churches. We have a growing network of Member Churches that have some type of outreach for those affected by homosexuality. Many of those churches offer the same services as that of a Member Ministry and some even have Professional Therapists on staff. Sorry,Wayne, your yellow journalism is showing.

Wayne, don’t be upset that some people find homosexuality incompatible with morality and faith. It’s called choice and we were all created with the freedom to exercise it. Exodus can, does and will continue to help people affected by unwanted homosexuality. There are A LOT of people who fit that description.

Exodus International has never been in the business of starting ministries in local areas. However, I think it is a good idea.  New York City, here we come…..

Anti Bullying Statement

A few years back my friend Mike Bussee and a friend of his were attacked in Los Angeles.  They were victims of a senseless act of violence simply because they were gay.  Mike's friend died as a result of that attack.  I know he grieves the loss of his friend every day and has many times encouraged me to speak out against such violence as well as milder forms of violence that we call bullying.

I was a victim of bullying in middle school.  Sixth grade for me was so horrific that I once told my wife that I wouldn't go back to that year for millions of dollars.  Tragically, kids who are "different" are targeted every day by bullies from the playground to the locker room and I want to be someone that helps to end that form of abuse.

At Exodus we do seek to educate those who are ignorant about homosexuality.  That education isn't short on biblical truth about the issue, but neither is it short on the biblical truth surrounding treating your neighbor as you'd like to be treated.   Exodus Youth is taking these truths to the schools and churches and to anyone willing to listen.

It is because of our extreme opposition to bullying and violence and our desire to see it stopped that we approved this statement today.  It will appear on the positions page of the Exodus website starting tomorrow.            

             Exodus Position Statement on Bullying

“Exodus International affirms that gay-identified individuals and those who struggle with same-sex attraction are persons for whom Jesus Christ died and loves equally. Therefore, we strongly oppose bullying, name calling and acts of aggression against any individual or group of individuals for any reason. These actions have no place in our society and we must, instead, affirm behavior that validates the personal worth and dignity God bestows upon every human being.

“In addition, every individual deserves equal protection and every offender should receive equal punishment. We call upon other organizations concerned with preserving the essential equality of all individuals to exhibit impartiality in their policies, rather than singling out some for special treatment.”

Mike, thanks for your patience and encouragement to get this done.  I am sorry for what you have been through, my friend.