Exodus International is a non-profit, interdenominational "ex-gay" Christian organization that seeks to "limit homosexual desires". It was founded by Michael Bussee, Gary Cooper, Frank Worthen, Ron Dennis, and Greg Reid. Exodus International asserts that "reorientation" of same-sex attraction is possible, but warns its members not to go to counselors who claim they can help eliminate all attractions to the same gender. It does not conduct clinical treatment but holds the position that, "reparative therapy - a holistic, counselling approach to addressing unwanted same-sex attraction - can be a beneficial tool." Techniques "can include abstinence, lessening of homosexual temptations, strengthening their sense of masculine or feminine identity, correcting distorted styles of relating with members of the same and opposite gender."
Founded in 1976, Exodus is an umbrella organization which has grown to include over 120 local ministries in the United States and Canada and over 150 ministries in 17 other countries. Although Exodus is formally an interdenominational Christian entity, it is most closely associated with Protestant and evangelical denominations. Alan Chambers is the current president of Exodus.
The Exodus Global Alliance was formed out of Exodus International in 2004.
Read more about Exodus International: History, Criticism of Conversion Therapy, Love Won Out Conferences, Controversy
Famous quotes containing the word exodus:
“I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt; I have heard their cry on account of their taskmasters. Indeed, I know their sufferings, and I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the country of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.”
—Bible: Hebrew, Exodus 3:7,8.