Exodus International, the recently controversial Christian ministry dealing with faith and homosexuality, is closing its doors after 37 years of ministry. The board of directors reached a decision after a year of dialogue and prayer about the organization’s place in a changing culture.
“We’re not negating the ways God used Exodus to positively affect thousands of people, but a new generation of Christians is looking for change—and they want to be heard,” says Exodus board member Tony Moore. The message came less than a day after Exodus released a shocking apology to the gay community for years of undue judgment by the organization and the Christian church as a whole.
“Exodus is an institution in the conservative Christian world, but we’ve ceased to be a living, breathing organism,” says Alan Chambers, president of Exodus. “For quite some time, we’ve been imprisoned in a worldview that’s neither honoring toward our fellow human beings, nor biblical.”
Chambers continues, “From a Judeo-Christian perspective, gay, straight or otherwise, we’re all prodigal sons and daughters. Exodus International is the prodigal’s older brother, trying to impose its will on God’s promises and make judgments on who’s worthy of His kingdom. God is calling us to be the Father—to welcome everyone, to love unhindered.”
For these reasons, the board of directors unanimously voted to close Exodus International and begin a separate ministry.
“This is a new season of ministry, to a new generation,” says Chambers. “Our goals are to reduce fear and come alongside churches to become safe, welcoming and mutually transforming communities.”
Local affiliated ministries, which have always been autonomous, will continue, but not under the name or umbrella of Exodus.
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