Exodus: Live Out Loud

Survey Shows Churches Split on Homosexuality

From OneNewsNow:

A new survey finds that Americans are split almost evenly over perceptions of homosexual behavior as either sinful or acceptable to God.

LifeWay Research, an arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, surveyed 1,201 adults in April to determine their attitudes about homosexuality. Forty-eight percent responded that homosexual behavior is sinful, but 45 percent said that it is not -- basically a statistical tie when the margin of error is taken into account.

Rev. Rob Schenck of Faith and Action in Washington, DC, says the U.S. needs a spiritual awakening as it moves in the direction of what he calls "a European-like secularism."

"... [This] is a spiritual problem that requires a spiritual solution," he continues. "But there is a little bit more to it than that because we see the problem in the church, as well as outside the church."

Read the whole article >>

Pro-Gay Censorship Law Crops Up in Colorado

From WorldNetDaily:

A new Colorado law is helping homosexual activists achieve their goal of forcing Christians to teach biblical condemnation of homosexuality only behind the closed doors of their sanctuaries.

The as-yet untested state law promotes sexual identity "perception" to the level of skin color under state discrimination laws.

Some opponents are calling it a "bona fide censorship law," and top analysts for Focus on the Family, the Christian publishing and broadcast powerhouse, are expressing concern over the "mischief" they expect to follow the signing by As WND reported, Ritter, a Democrat, struck gender-specific restrooms and locker rooms statewide when he signed the plan into law in May.

The law makes it illegal to deny a person access to public accommodations, including restrooms and locker rooms, based on gender identity or the "perception" of gender identity.

"Who would have believed that the Colorado state legislature and its governor would have made it fully legal for men to enter and use women's restrooms and locker-room facilities without notice or explanation?" said James Dobson, founder of Focus.

Read the whole article >>

Megachurches Begin to Respond

From The Christian Post:

Jay Bakker, a big supporter of a pro-gay group, met privately with Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church to talk about faith and sexuality issues and to ultimately gain the support of the megapastor.

Son of Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, Jay and a group of gays and lesbians attended one of Lakewood Church's Sunday worship services in an effort to change the influential pastor's view on gays and lesbians. At the end, Osteen did not affirm homosexuality.

It was the first of six megachurch stops in a pro-gay campaign called The American Family Outing – a collaboration between Soulforce, COLAGE, National Black Justice Coalition, and the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches. Some 30 LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) persons and supporters took their national campaign to the country's largest church on Mother's Day to create dialogue around LGBT issues with members of the megachurch.

Read the entire article >>

Gay Activists Visit Mega-Churches

From CitizenLink:

They call it The American Family Outing: Families from across the country travel to six mega-churches to "create meaningful conversations" about faith and homosexuality.

The gay-activist group Soulforce kicked off its six-week initiative with a stop at Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church on Mother's Day; the effort wraps up on Father's Day. Osteen declined an invitation to meet with Soulforce.

Jeff Buchanan, director of church equipping at Exodus International, said each church needs to assess whether a meeting would be helpful.

"I would be completely open to having a meaningful conversation, if both parties were humbly submitted in that conversation," he said. "I would not enter into a conversation if I knew there was not a sincere openness to the truth."

One of the goals of the initiative, according to Soulforce, is to enlist churches in the battle to end "the physical and spiritual violence perpetuated by some religious voices against LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered) people and their families."

Buchanan said he is concerned by the stereotype that all churches are party to that violence.

He recommended churches — and all Christians — embrace the issue "with compassion, not compromise."

Read the entire article >>

Methodists Reject Changes to Gay Stance--Oppose Homophobia

From The Christian Post:

After a lengthy debate, United Methodists voted Wednesday to reject changes to its constitution that would have liberalized the church's stance on homosexuality.

Delegates to the 2008 General Conference, the denomination's highest governing body, voted against a proposed "majority report" which would have acknowledged that members of the United Methodist Church "deeply disagree with one another" on the issue of homosexuality.

Such an acknowledgment would have been a "mature way forward" and "an honest, yet humble approach to how we are to view one another," said Frederick Brewington, a layman in the New York Annual (regional) Conference, according to the United Methodist News Service.

"We can make the determination to move forward, and stop the hurt," he told delegates during a long and emotional debate, urging change to the church's policy to end more than 35 years of struggle over the issue.

The petition for changes would have also deleted the current statement in UMC's Book of Discipline that describes homosexual practice as "incompatible with Christian teaching" and bans noncelibate gay pastors.

However, the Rev. Eddie Fox argued that any United Methodist statement on human sexuality needs to be "clear, concise and faithful to biblical teaching."

Read the whole article >>

Hundreds Protest Methodist Conference

From Dallas Morning News:

About 300 people took the floor of the United Methodist Church's General Conference Thursday morning, protesting the denomination's persistence in saying the practice of homosexuality is "incompatible" with Christian teaching.

Legislative action at the Fort Worth Convention Center was stopped for 15 minutes to allow the demonstration, which included singing of the spiritual "Were You There (When They Crucified My Lord)?"

The action went peacefully. At the General Conference eight years ago in Cleveland, about 200 gay-rights supporters were arrested.

Still, progressives were clearly disappointed that efforts to change the church's stance on homosexuality failed Wednesday in voting by General Conference delegates.

Read the entire article >>

Gay-Identified Bishop Refuses to "Lend Credibility" to Symposium

From Warren Throckmorton:

Today, the Washington Blade reported that Bishop Gene Robinson backed out of his scheduled presentation at the American Psychiatric Association conference. He was scheduled to present about “A Pastoral Approach for Gay & Lesbian People Troubled by Homosexuality.”

Bishop Robinson provided the following explanation:

“Conservatives, particularly Focus on the Family, were going to use this event to draw credibility to the so-called reparative therapy movement,” Robinson told the Blade. “It became clear to me in the last couple of weeks that just my showing up and letting this event happen … lends credibility to that so-called therapy.”

This is quite troubling and not at all accurate. Since no one on the panel planned to speak about reparative therapy, it is clear to me that the Bishop was misinformed. The symposium was approved by the APA in October of 2007 and nothing has changed in the descriptions, personnel or intent of the symposium since then. The meeting is not going to endorse reparative approaches, or advocate for any change in APA policy.

UMC Hopes for Unity at Conference

From Dallas Morning News:

For more than 30 years, the United Methodist Church has been trying to show that a denomination divided against itself on homosexuality can still stand.

The latest test begins today in Fort Worth.

Nearly 1,000 lay and clergy delegates – mainly from the U.S., but with a strong African contingent – will gather at the Convention Center for a General Conference, a term that covers the denomination's top legislative body and the body's quadrennial meeting.

This epic exercise in church democracy lasts nine days, during which about 1,600 proposed resolutions and changes to church law and policy – everything from revising the denomination's hymnal to boycotting companies with questionable labor practices – will at least get looked at by a committee.

And there will almost certainly be another round of heated debate and contentious votes over whether the UMC should change its official position that homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching and withdraw its ban on noncelibate gay pastors.

Recent General Conferences have seen protests by gay-rights supporters. Eight years ago in Cleveland, some 200 demonstrators, including two bishops, were arrested for disrupting proceedings.

Read the whole article >>

Psychiatrists: Let's Talk About Homosexuality

From CitizenLink:

Two social conservatives will share the stage with two pro-homosexual speakers in a notable attempt at a “balanced discussion” sponsored by the American Psychiatric Association (APA).

The pro-homosexual speakers — Bishop Gene Robinson, an openly homosexual Episcopalian in New Hampshire, and Dr. David Scasta, past president of the Association of Gay and Lesbian Psychiatrists — will seek “common ground and new perspectives” with two conservatives: the Rev. Albert Mohler, president of South Baptist Theological Seminary and a member of the Focus on the Family board of directors; and Dr. Warren Throckmorton, associate professor of psychology at Grove City College.

“The symposium acknowledges the role of religious belief as a core variable in the development of sexual identity,” Throckmorton told CitizenLink. “To my knowledge, this meeting, distinguished by diversity of religious viewpoints, is unprecedented at APA.”

The symposium is scheduled for 2 to 5 p.m. EDT, on Monday, May 5, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.

Read the whole article >>

Homosexuals Appose Evangelical Youth Event

From Journal Chretien:

A public row concerning an evangelical youth festival and homosexuality has developed in Germany. The federal Parliament, the Bundestag in Berlin, has discussed the subject twice during question time.

Approximately 20,000 young people are expected to attend Christival in Bremen, April 30 – May 4. One of numerous seminars and workshops was supposed to deal with the subject of a change of sexual orientation for homosexuals who are disenchanted with their lifestyle.

But Volker Beck, Parliamentary whip of the Greens in the Bundestag and a practicing homosexual, took offense. He regards “therapy” for homosexuals as “dangerous charlatanism”.

Read the whole article >>

Exodus Representatives Participate in Documentary Screening

"For the Bible Tells Me So," a documentary about Christian families who were faced with a homosexual child, and ultimately grew to embrace their homosexuality, was presented at an open screening at Stetson University last week. The screening was followed by a discussion panel featuring the film's director, Daniel Karslake. Among the other panelists were Mike Ensley of Exodus Youth and Dr. Julie Hamilton, a professional counselor affiliated with Exodus.

From the Daytona Beach News-Journal Online:

Overall, the movie won praise from both the conservative and liberal panel members.

"I loved that the core of it was families' stories," said Mike Ensley, a counselor with Exodus Ministries, which helps youth wanting to overcome homosexuality.

The documentary focuses on five Christian families coming to terms with a gay son or daughter. Just released on DVD, it's becoming a popular movie for church screenings, said filmmaker Daniel Karslake...

...Dissenting about some of the movie's science was Julie Harren Hamilton, a Palm Beach psychologist and president-elect of the National Association for the Research and Therapy of Homosexuality, which helps clients change their sexual orientation.

She disputed the suggestion that homosexuality is simply genetic, arguing that the causes are more complicated.

Karslake, the filmmaker, defended his research but agreed with Hamilton that everyone should study the issues for themselves and draw their own conclusions.

Touch the Sexual Sinner

Mike Ensley wrote this new article for Boundless:

Nobody needs to be told about the startling statistics regarding youth and sexuality. A rant about how the media and entertainment industry push the envelope would just be stating the obvious to anyone with ears to listen.

What gets me ranting is the Church's response; all too often living in the definition of insanity in regards to responding to the crisis of our culture. Despite its monumental failure to accomplish anything in the way of personal transformation, too many Christians — worse, those in ministry — seem bent on responding with our most ineffective asset: religion.

Read the entire article >>

Hypocrisy of Hating Homosexuality, While Ignoring Cohabitation and Adultery

From ChristianNewsWire.com:

Statistics show that 25% of unmarried "born again" Christians are living together. This reveals an apparent hypocrisy in condemning homosexuality, while not condemning heterosexual immorality. Sad to say, co-habitation is on the increase and its participants also include the Catholic and Christian community.

BFA believes there is also a need to condemn not only adultery in its blatant form of cheating on a spouse, but its camouflaged form by easy divorce to pursue second and third marriages. This has been done by those who describe themselves either as Catholic, Evangelical and even more startling the born again Christian.

"There is no doubt that homosexuality is immoral before God, we see that in the scriptures, but the very same scriptures hate the immorality of unbiblical divorces and cohabitations. God does not wink at sin just because it's a heterosexual committing it" says Phil Magnan, Director of Biblical Family Advocates. "Apparently heterosexuals are setting the example for the homosexual community thinking that if you are 'loving and monogamous,' it must be acceptable before God."

Read the rest >>

Pro-Gay Churches May be Banned from NC Baptist Convention

RALEIGH, N.C. -- More than 3,000 Baptists are expected to file into the Greensboro Coliseum this week for the 176th annual Baptist State Convention. They'll be there to sing, pray and to take part in at least one controversial vote.

"Homosexuality is a sin and it's unacceptable behavior, and for the benefit of the church, its members and the benefit of society of a whole, we are taking this stance," said Norman Jameson of the Baptist State Convention. Members will decide Tuesday whether to ban churches that approve of homosexuality. Bill Sanderson of Wendell is the pastor behind the proposal.

Full article >>

Liberty Sunday Press Conference

Who: Tony Perkins (Family Research Council), Alan Chambers (Exodus), Pastor Pendleton (Tremont Temple Baptist Church), David Parker, Robert Wirthlin, Kris Mineau (Massachusetts Family Institute), Bishop Harry Jackson (Hope Christian Church).

What: Press conference concerning Liberty Sunday Simulcast

When: 3:00 pm EDT, October 15, 2006

Where: Tremont Temple Baptist Church

Disclaimer: The following is simply notes and paraphrasing I (Randy) wrote down during the press conference.  Direct quotes are properly noted within the text.  Everything else is paraphrased and spring from my understanding of what the presenters said.

First up Tony Perkins with the Family Research Council.  Tony shares that he was very excited about tonight's simulcast.  the reason they chose Boston is because same sex marriage started in this state and what we see in its wake is the loss of religious freedom.  As they have condoned same sex marriage, the state condemns Christian expression in the public square.  He said that this press conference and the simulcast won't be just about organizational spokespersons.  The message will be brought by the people who have been detrimentally affected by the decision of four judges in Massachusetts.  A decision that is setting a dangerous precedent and conflict around the country.

Dr. Ray Pendleton Pastor at Tremont Temple Baptist Church stated, "We think it is important to uphold what is best for the culture and the country.  We want to speak what is truth, in love."

Kris Mineau, heads up Massachusetts Family Institute said something to the effect of tonight's events will help emphasize the point for the Mass legislature should finally allow the people of Massachusetts to speak for themselves instead of unelected judges ignoring the will of the people and speaking for them.

David Parker was up next.  His son, when  in kindergarten was given a diversity book-bag that indoctrinates children with beliefs about homosexuality that are  contrary to the beliefs of the parents and the welfare of these five year olds.  The rights of parents are being trampled for the rights of a rampant gay agenda.

David Parker quotes Robert Scutch,  the author of pro-gay children's book, "Who's a Family?" put in the "diversity book-bag":  Scutch states, "I wrote the book for children before they know that there is any other way." 

David Parker continues, that the gay agenda is being promoted non-stop in many ways;  Day of Silence, Coming Out Day, High School students going to lower grades to talk about coming out and resources being made available to grade school and beyond.  Mr. Parker simply wants parents to be notified and given their right to opt out.  The Lexington school system will not notify parents.  Mr. Parker's conclusion is that where Religious liberty is compromised all liberties are compromised.  Parents need to take a stand for children around the country.  The ACLU is trampling on religious freedom and parents by helping the school system against the parents.

Rob Wirthlin is the father of a seven year old who, without Mr. Wirthlin's knowledge or consent, was read a book by his second grade teacher called King and King which is about romantic love between two princes who eventually marry. The Wirthlin's asked the teacher for a meeting but the night before that meeting, the principal called and intimated that the Wirthlin's had ulterior motives and she was gong to be there whether they wanted her to be there or not.  The Principal said that the Teacher said she chose the book specifically because she felt it was something that the little boys could relate too.    Mr. Wirthlin says, "I am standing for parents rights. Parents should be the ones who decide when where and how to approach these subjects with their very own children."

Tony Perkins announces Freedom Watch.  As long as liberty is in danger... FRC will keep watch and fight for liberty.

Alan Chambers was next.  Tony said that Alan was, "the most controversial speaker."  He said Exodus takes a message of hope across the country. There is a message of hope for the homosexual who wants to find freedom from homosexuality.   Tony said, "Those who are the trumpeters of tolerance have little tolerance for Alan's message."  Alan shared about how religious liberty is in danger as evidenced by the huge protest at last year's Love Won Out Conference at Tremont Temple Baptist church.  Close to two thousand people screamed, among other things, "Shut down Focus On The Family!" "Shut down Dr. Dobson!" "Shut down ex-gays!" "Shut down Tremont Temple!" no call for tolerance, just a desire to impose silence against those that disagree with the gay activists.  While it is important to fight for the preservation of religious liberties and important social issues, we must also have grace and compassion.  We must provide hope and help for those seeking freedom from homosexuality.

Tony Perkins says that the opponents say that religious conservatives use gay issues as wedge issues but Tony calls them a bridge issue.  There is no other issue (gay agenda) that has brought modern Christians together so well.  One of the side benefits of this unnecessary battle is an increasingly colorblind church.

Bishop Harry Jackson is the senior pastor of Hope Christian Church.  He gave a stirring history of black community struggling and leading the way to liberty. He states that the black pulpit in America has actually been the engine for the black community.  Black Pastors deserve to be heard and to have their voices count.  In the mid-term election you are going to see a growing union in the church and that is going to change the tide and turn back the gay agenda.  More than ever before you are going to see Values Voters show up and make a difference in America.

Afterward, the media questions were basic fact finding and not much else to report except one incident that deserves it's very own post.

Before closing this post however, I wanted to say that all the presenters were very calm, humble and eloquent.  My notes do not do them justice.  I also met Mr. Parker and Mr. Wirthlin after the press conference and I have to tell you, they are two very protective, humble and loving Dad's.  They were not activists before the Lexington School Board decided to usurp their parental rights but now that this school board has forced the fight... they will do whatever it takes to protect their children.  I genuinely enjoyed meeting these two men.

Also at the press conference, I met John Schroeder with Blogotional and Joe Carter with Evangelical Outpost.  These guys are serious bloggers and you really should check out their blogs on a regular basis. I truly enjoyed meeting them and discussing Christians, politics and blogging!  They were a lot of fun to meet.

On The Radio - J.T. Foxx Show

***Scroll Down For Update***

I will be on the J.T. Foxx Show Sunday (tomorrow).  It's on News-Talk WIND 560 AM station in Chicago.  You can listen live here.  I will be listening in around 8:30-ish am EDT CDT and will be on sometime in the 9 o'clock hour 8:45 CDT (it's only and hour long show.)  The first part of the show will have Shirley Phelps-Roper and a local politician who had a gay son who died of AIDS.

I have a feeling my heart is going to be broken on so many levels before I ever actually get on the show.

However, I am very excited that during the time that I am on there will also be a VERY popular gay blogger on as well.  I won't mention who it is until after the show.

***After the Show Update***

Well, Mrs. Phelps-Roper was still screaming whenever they called and plugged me in.  I was originally slated to be in the last 20 minutes of the show.  Her segment ran over for 10 minutes so when I finally got on it was very quick and brief.  The host was very gracious and basically described Exodus for the audience and asked me what I thought of the Phelps message.  I say what I usually say and think is important:  the Phelps crew and I do NOT serve the same God and it is obvious that they do not know the Christ I serve. 

Values Voters Summit

Exodus brought a redemptive view of homosexuality to this years The Washington Briefing: Values Voters Summit.  At our booth we handed out plenty of informative material including general information about Exodus, testimonies and newsletters.  Person after person came up to us seeking prayer and ministry concerning their own struggles or their family member who identifies as gay.

The Washington Briefing is mainly about public policy concerning a broad spectrum of issues.  However, since the issue of redefining marriage into a gay worldview is of such importance (along with other gay-centric efforts in public policy), many leaders at The Washington Briefing have gone out of their way to welcome the Exodus message and bring a very important perspective to the table.  Our perspective includes preserving marriage, an extremely important social institution,  while reaching out with compassion.   Wherever, public policy affects the people we are ministering too, we will be there to offer a personal and redemptive view.

Included in the "continue reading" reading link below will be a couple of articles covering the summit and excerpts as they pertain to the battle over marriage.

ArchBishop Reverses Course in Homosexuality Debate

Amazing turn of events in Canterbury ...

Gays must change, says archbishop
Jonathan Wynne-Jones

(Filed: 27/08/2006)

The archbishop of Canterbury has told homosexuals that they need to change their behaviour if they are to be welcomed into the church, The Sunday Telegraph can reveal.

Rowan Williams has distanced himself from his one-time liberal support of gay relationships and stressed that the tradition and teaching of the Church has in no way been altered by the Anglican Communion's consecration of its first openly homosexual bishop.

The declaration by the archbishop - rebutting the idea that homosexuals should be included in the church unconditionally - marks a significant development in the church's crisis over homosexuals. According to liberal and homosexual campaigners, it confirmed their fears that the archbishop has become increasingly conservative - and sparked accusations that he has performed an "astonishing" U-turn over the homosexual issue.

Liberals who had previously hailed his appointment said they are dismayed that he appears to have turned his back on an agenda that he previously championed.

I bolded the word "agenda" on purpose.  Conservatives are accused of creating the "gay agenda" when in reality there are many gay centric agendas out there.  One of these agenda's is right here right now: the redefinition and re-commissioning of the Church away from a redemptive gospel to a socially acceptable gospel.  I am glad to see the Archbishop rethinking his views and holding to a truly redemptive view.

DL Foster on Yolanda Young's Comments Concerning Black Clergy

Yolanda writes in USA Today that the African American church is silent and that silence is what hurts those who identify as gay.  DL Foster agrees on the silence part (to a point) but does not agree with Yolanda's view of what the solution, or end goal, should be.

From DL's blog Perspectives In Motion ...

Though a peculiar mix of theology and politics, Ms Young finally makes it clear she thinks Jesus will disown you if you don't proclaim homosexuality as normal. Most students of the principle of letting scripture speak for itself would definitely refute that conclusion.

What we can hope for in the growing discussions among black clergy is something that heretofore they have not asserted with the passion and compassion needed. God is able to change the hearts, minds, souls and yes sexual mispassions of homosexual men and women. I am an eyewitness to that. There are thousands of men and women who have walked away from homosexual identities and desires by faith in Christ. Through dedicated groups like Orlando based Exodus International  and Witness Ministries in Atlanta, countless people have discovered that it wasn't "rights" they needed, it was love and truth.

That's the real message. Acceptance without truth condemns people to unfulfilled lives. Jesus always spoke truth within the context of acceptance. When we learn to duplicate that in the many facets of our lives, we will truly be on our way to something beautiful.

Go read the whole thing.  DL and Yolando both mentions one of my earthly heros, Rev. Bill Owens with CAAP.

I like DL's paying proper respect of Rev. Owens by painting the fuller picture of this remarkable man's life and contribution to society.

USA Today Examines Christian Response to 'Brokeback'

In a new USA Today article, Power, Maturity Steer Christian Movement, Michael Medved examines Christian conservatives' response to the hype of 'Brokeback Mountain.'

" The publicity blitz surrounding Oscar front-runner Brokeback Mountain not only challenged stereotypes about gay relationships, it simultaneously cleared away persistent misunderstandings about the nation's Christian conservatives.

Instead of reacting with outraged calls for censorship or condemnation, the much-reviled minions of the so-called religious right have mostly ignored the movie, allowing it to collect every sort of honor with shockingly scant controversy.

. . . This doesn't mean that cultural traditionalists in the USA have abandoned their principles and suddenly embraced the much-discussed "gay cowboy movie": People who revere biblical strictures against same-sex relationships can scarcely commend a film that provides a lyrical celebration of a homosexual affair that wrecks two marriages.

Neverthe less . . . In the heartland of Evangelical America, Brokeback has generated more ho-hums than howls of protest (or hosannas).

In a new USA Today article, Power, Maturity Steer Christian Movement, Michael Medved examines Christian conservatives' response to the hype of 'Brokeback Mountain.'

" The publicity blitz surrounding Oscar front-runner Brokeback Mountain not only challenged stereotypes about gay relationships, it simultaneously cleared away persistent misunderstandings about the nation's Christian conservatives.

Instead of reacting with outraged calls for censorship or condemnation, the much-reviled minions of the so-called religious right have mostly ignored the movie, allowing it to collect every sort of honor with shockingly scant controversy.

. . . This doesn't mean that cultural traditionalists in the USA have abandoned their principles and suddenly embraced the much-discussed "gay cowboy movie": People who revere biblical strictures against same-sex relationships can scarcely commend a film that provides a lyrical celebration of a homosexual affair that wrecks two marriages.

Neverthe less . . . In the heartland of Evangelical America, Brokeback has generated more ho-hums than howls of protest (or hosannas).