The LGBTQ blogosphere has been abuzz with rumors that ex-gay, Christian ministry Exodus International is broke and possibly shutting down its world-wide operation. Exodus International is notorious to many members of the LGBTQ community for its efforts to “pray the gay away.”
The Internet blog “Ex-Gay Watch” recently reported about a secret, emergency Exodus International meeting on Nov. 16 that addressed the organization's alleged dire financial situation and a possible reorganization. According to Ex-Gay Watch blogger David Roberts, in the past few years Exodus has cut its staff and lost some key allies. In 2008, Exodus purchased a new $1.1 million headquarters building in Altamonte Springs. Roberts concludes that debt on that building is responsible for Exodus' alleged financial troubles, and reports that the primary focus of the meeting was about increasing donations to the organization.
Alan Chambers, the president of Exodus International, dismisses the rumors as false and said Exodus is still running like usual.
“Our budget actually went up this year with the money that was given,” Chambers said. “We are doing very well.”
Based in Orlando, Exodus International is the world's largest, ex-gay Christian ministry devoted to what the organization says is a mission of helping individuals leave homosexuality through a relationship with Jesus Christ.
Exodus president Chambers openly identified as a gay man until rejecting his LGBTQ identity for his faith. He began to live as a heterosexual and eventually married a woman. He and his wife Leslie have now been married 14 years and adopted two children.
“I don't think that people choose their sexual orientation,” Chambers said.
For Reverend Lisa Heilig, pastor of Orlando's Joy Metropolitan Community Church, Exodus closing would be a good thing.
“I wish that they would go away,” said Rev. Heilig. “They really serve no purpose because you cannot change your sexual orientation. We all know that is what the science shows. Not to mention, from my viewpoint, they are misrepresenting the gospel.”
Rev. Heilig, the pastor of Orlando's Joy Metropolitan Community Church, said spirituality is not at odds with sexual orientation or gender identity.
“There is no inherent problem with being gay and Christian or transgender and Christian or LGBTQ and a person of any other faith,” Heilig said.
Rev. Heilig says that the ex-gay ministry is a harmful organization, but Chambers disagrees.
“I don't think Exodus has a hand in creating an atmosphere that lends themselves to people hating themselves,” he said, adding that he sees Exodus as a compassionate, spiritual community simply trying to help people in conflict.
“I certainly agree that everyone has the right to their own beliefs…until it hurts people,” said Rev. Heilig. “Exodus International hurts people and they do it under the guise of compassion and trying to help.”
A former Exodus follower, who wishes to remain anonymous, said his emotions are mixed when it comes to the rumors about Exodus closing. He said aspects of the ministry were helpful and taught him valuable lessons about life and his own personal growth, but Exodus was harmful to him.
“I have spent the last eight years in pursuit of a life denying homosexuality. This is how Exodus told me I ought to live my life,” he said. “In the end, I spent much of my time in self-loathing…hiding my struggle from others due to fears of rejection, battling depression and even at times thoughts of suicide.”
Jose Jordan of Orlando found his conservative, Christian upbringing constantly at odds with his sexuality so he sought out the ex-gay ministry.
“Exodus' premise for homosexuality is that it is a behavior that can be changed through self-discipline and counseling,” said Jordan.
But he said that Exodus doesn't promise that your sexual orientation will change.
“After six years of Exodus-instructed, lifestyle practices, I came to a point where my orientation still existed, and I asked God for answers, surrendering my battle to him, and asking him for real answers,” said Jordan. “Since then, I've discovered resources like the Gay Christian Network and great relationships with wonderful, gay men and women, that have helped me be a better person overall.”
The Gay Christian Network annual conference will take place in Orlando next month from Jan. 5-8.
