Exodus International, one of the largest and most notorious “ex-gay” Christian ministries has issued a statement apologizing to members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community for “years of undue suffering” according to Salon .
While msnNOW reports that while President Alan Chambers’ still believes homosexuality is a sin and that he does not condone same-sex marriages, he is deeply sorry for all the pain he has caused.
The statement reads:
“I am sorry for the pain and hurt that many of you have experienced. I am sorry some of you spent years working through the shame and guilt when your attractions didn’t change.
“I am sorry we promoted sexual orientation change efforts and reparative theories about sexual orientation that stigmatized parents.”
The apologies didn’t stop there, oh no. He continued on saying:
“I am sorry that when I celebrated a person coming to Christ and surrendering their sexuality to Him, I callously celebrated the end of relationships that broke your heart.
“I am sorry I have communicated that you and your families are less than me and mine.”
Chambers’ didn’t even end there with his apologies. He ends with:
“More than anything, I am sorry that so many have interpreted this religious rejection by Christians as God’s rejection.
“I am profoundly sorry that many have walked away from their faith and that some have chosen to end their lives.”
This is a pretty big apology to come from such a large religious organization. This of course doesn’t mean that he’s giving up his beliefs, but it does seem like he’s a bit more understanding.
He mentions very vaguely that Exodus “will serve in our pluralistic culture by hosting thoughtful and safe conversations about gender and sexuality, while partnering with others to reduce fear, inspire hope, and cultivate human flourishing.”
So what does this all mean for the group? Well, that’s not completely clear.
This apology comes during a time that the LGBT community is receiving a lot of attention worldwide.
Local stories, such as Danielle Powell ’s struggle with a Christian College, and the new Anti-Gay Laws in Russia have hit the news more recently.
With the LGBT community becoming a big focus in the news, how do you think everyone will react to the apology from Exodus International?
[Image via Gay Christian Movement Watch ]