Exodus International President Alan
Chambers is facing increasing criticism over his rejection of
therapies aimed at “curing” gay men and lesbians, and saying that
he believes gay people can go to heaven.
Chambers is leading the group away from
supporting such therapies. At one point, Chambers starred in ads for
the ministry along with the caption “Change is possible.”
Exodus now says it is emphasizing how
gay Christians can manage their same-sex attractions. For some gay
people that could mean celibacy.
In an interview with the Christian
Post, Chambers said a dozen of some 270 ministries have fled the
group since the new policy was announced earlier this year.
During an appearance last week on The
Janet Mefferd Show, the Christian conservative admonished
Chambers and concluded that he should resign from his post.
Mefferd claimed that Exodus' new policy
was basically excusing sin.
“If you believe that you have to turn
from your sin and turn to Christ … how can you simultaneously hold
that somebody who is an unrepentant homosexual can go to heaven?”
she asked Chambers.
In one heated exchanged, Mefferd
accused Chambers of faulting God.
“But Exodus was never claiming that
Exodus would help you change your orientation. My understanding is
Exodus always said we will introduce you to the God who can change
you,” Mefferd said.
“Yes, but God who can change you, but
will that God always change your sexual orientation? I don't know
that He will,” Chambers stated.
“It's God's fault then.”
“There's no place that says God will
change your orientation,” Chambers responded.
On Friday, the Christian
Post reported that John Warren had become the first member of
the Exodus International Board of Directors to step down since the
change took effect.
“I believe that Alan Chambers is a good man
with good intentions. It is his messaging that concerned me recently
and prompted me to resign,” he said.
Warren's resignation comes days after
Jeff Buchanan stepped down as executive vice president.