Christian Group Apologizes to Gay Community

[cbayer]

http://www.chron.com/news/us/article/Christian-group-apologizes-to-gay-community-4611968.php

By DAVID CRARY, AP National Writer | June 20, 2013 | Updated: June 20, 2013 1:48pm

The president of a leading Christian ministry dedicated to helping gays repress their sexual urges through prayer has apologized to the gay community and says the group is shutting down.

Alan Chambers, in a statement posted Thursday on Exodus International's website, said the group wants to apologize to the gay community "for years of undue suffering and judgment at the hands of the organization and the church as a whole."

Chambers also made an apology in a speech to his ministry's annual conference, saying, "We've hurt people."

"While there has been so much good at Exodus, there has also been bad," he said. "We've fought the culture war, and we've lost. It's time for peace."

more at link

[okasha]

1. Good--and not a second too soon.

I hope he realizes that he needs to take reparative action as well as apologizing.

[cbayer]

2. It appears that he is doing that.

In his statement Thursday, Chambers said the board of Exodus had decided to close it and form a new ministry, which he referred to as reducefear.org.

"Our goals are to reduce fear and come alongside churches to become safe, welcoming, and mutually transforming communities," he said.

[skepticscott]

5. Exactly

One attention-getting apology does not absolve him of years of despicable behavior. He should just shut up and concentrate on trying to undo as much of the harm he's down as possible. Maybe in 20 years or so he'll have earned some kudos.

[LostOne4Ever]

3. Now

for all the other sects promoting anti-gay messages would follow his example.....i wouldnt hold my breath though.

[cbayer]

4. This was a pretty extreme group. I see it as excellent news and, like you, hope we see more.