Friday on the NewsHour, Ray Suarez talks to Jeff Chu, author of "Does Jesus Really Love Me?", about being gay and a Christian. Chu profiled several people who had experiences with Exodus International. In this extended interview, Chu reacts to news of Exodus International ending its operations.
Earlier this week Exodus International made headlines when it decided to close its doors and issue an apology to the gay community.
For decades Exodus International has been the leading practitioner of the "gay cure" movement. Based in Orlando, Fla., the organization has grown to over 260 member ministries worldwide. Exodus and their affiliates hold fast to a strong evangelical Christian belief that homosexuality is a sin and not a part of the life God intended them to live. Marriage, they believe, is intended to be between one man and one woman. They offered services to people who wanted to overcome their same-sex temptations. The organization strove to assist people with same-sex attractions "surrender their sexual struggles to Jesus Christ and live a life that reflects the Christian faith."
In an unexpected statement Alan Chambers, president of Exodus, wrote:
"I am sorry that some of you spent years working through the shame and guilt you felt when your attractions didn't change. I am sorry that I ... failed to share publicly that the gay and lesbian people I know were every bit as capable of being amazing parents as the straight people that I know. I am sorry that I have communicated that you and your families are less than me and mine."
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