August 22, 2012 | Sex & Society

Exodus leader: time to accept that gay Christians exist

Alan Chambers, the current leader of 'ex-gay' group Exodus International, is certainly changing his tune about turning homosexuals straight.

Initially he supported the notion that with counselling, one could learn to be heterosexual. Then he admitted that reparative therapy didn't work. “I do not believe that cure is a word that is applicable to really any struggle, homosexuality included,” said Chambers. “For someone to put out a shingle and say, ‘I can cure homosexuality’ — that to me is as bizarre as someone saying they can cure any other common temptation or struggle that anyone faces on Planet Earth.”

Last night, he went a step further, admitting on Our America With Lisa Ling that he now believes someone can remain gay and still be a Christian.

"Do I think there are people living a gay Christian life who are going to be in heaven with me?" he asked. "I do. If they have a relationship with God."

In fact, he thinks Christians should stop focusing on trying to change people and instead learn to accept gays. (This from a man who still believes himself to be ex-gay and is married to a woman.)

This is nothing new for the group.

Michael Bussee, one of the founders of Exodus International, and Gary Cooper, a leader within the ministry of Exodus, both left the group in 1979. They were married to women at the time but later divorced, coming together in a commitment ceremony in 1982. Cooper's later died from AIDS-related illness in 1991.

In April 2010, Bussee said, "I never saw one of our members or other Exodus leaders or other Exodus members become heterosexual, so deep down I knew that it wasn’t true."

John Paulk, who described himself as a former "drag queen and homosexual prostitute," was active in Focus on the Family as manager of its Homosexuality and Gender Division. He was elected Chairman of the board of Exodus International North America in August 1995. However, he was removed by Exodus International Board of Directors on October 3, 2000, after he was discovered flirting in a gay bar. Someone even snapped a picture of him as he tried to leave. 

He claimed he had not known it was a gay bar, and was only looking for a restroom.

Obviously, Chambers knows a losing battle when he sees one. Or is this his way of gently letting his wife know it's over?

Exodus Leader's Shocking Revelation Tonight on Our America [The Advocate]