Saturday, October 1, 2011

Exodus Int'l: Churches Shying from Controversy

Exodus International, the world's largest ministry that reaches out to homosexuals (and comprising of a large number of former homosexuals) not surprisingly, is one major target of the gay movement. The impact of the steady, unrelentless attacks on Exodus International is showing as more and more of their traditional supporters are finding it more convenient to keep the distance from them. The latest of such Churches is the Willow Creek Community megaChurch, pastored by Bill Hybels. In actual fact, Willow Creek, polled as the most influential church in America, had made the decision to split from Exodus as early as 2009, but kept the information away from the public until June this year, when the Church probably thinks the environment is more conducive.

Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International, said Willow Creek's departure is evidence of a "disappointing trend" in the Christian community, with churches and other groups shying away from controversial issues -- like homosexual outreach.
"There are Christians who believe like one another who aren't willing to stand with one another, simply because they're afraid of the backlash people will direct their way if they are seen with somebody who might not be politically correct," Chambers charged.

Recently, in the UK, Owens and Eunice Johns were told by the Royal Courts of Justice in London that they can't be foster parents because their religious beliefs prohibit teaching youngsters that the homosexual lifestyle is acceptable. (http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/03/01/uk-court-anti-gay-couple-foster-parents/)
Exodus International has seen several departures over the years. These include the Canadian ministry New Direction (2010) and Where Grace Abounds (2008). The group is often criticized for its attempts to convert homosexuals and, among other events, its annual conference for former gays and lesbians. (see http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2011/July/Exodus-International-Churches-Shying-from-Controversy/)

One major arena of on-going hot battle on homosexuality, is the debate over Reparative Therapy also known as the sexual orientation conversion therapy. It goes without saying that ex-gays are a big embarrassment to the gay movement who brazenly claim that homosexuality is an inborn trait that cannot be changed – just like the colour of one’s skin! Therefore, while campaigning for tolerance towards homosexuality, the homosexual lobby spares no action in demonstrating their gross intolerance of ex-gays. Happily, a US court has recently ruled that gay groups who invade and interrupt church worship services are now to be subject to contempt charges and heavy fines. (see http://www.onenewsnow.com/Legal/Default.aspx?id=1394042)

Hopefully, his will bring some respite, for a while!

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