Let’s Shut This Thing Down!
Photo Credits: Exodus Intern/no longer silentaz
Perhaps it was inevitable, but the good news (at least that’s how this writer sees it) is that 37 year old organization Exodus International has finally decided to shut down. Perhaps they started with good intentions, but it has been known and painfully obvious that their methodologies were harmful, and ineffective at best.
It is interesting to me that as I am relieved that they have shut their doors, I don’t feel a sense of gloating, just a feeling of gratitude that they have finally began to see the negative impact of their “ministry” and a need for doing something different, better and more helpful to the LGBTQA population of societies. Anytime listening happens, that is a reason to celebrate. At some point as we try to serve people, we have to ask ourselves if the work that we are doing is yielding positive outcomes or negative; and if the latter, be humble enough to admit that they have failed.
Alan Chambers’ apology carries with it many healing elements and exudes sincerity of heart. I commend him for recognition of the damage his organization has done, offering an apology, and seeming awareness that healing takes time for people; and in addition, to look forward and try to figure out what they can do next to facilitate that healing. This is admirable and to be applauded.
I look forward to even deeper healing in the lives of those who have been damaged, and pray toward this with intensity.
Intersexion 