Exodus International Chimes In On APA Resolution

When the American Psychological Association makes a resolution, people listen. When the APA makes a statement about reparative therapy, Exodus International listens for a way to twist the words.
Recently, the APA passed a resolution stating that therapy is quite unlikely to cause any change in a person’s sexuality, and trying to do so could be harmful. The group has opposed reparative therapy before; this resolution, passed 125-4, states how therapists should deal with clients who struggle with being gay and a member of a religion that demonizes homosexuality.
The APA says mental health care providers should help clients “explore possible life paths that address the reality of their sexual orientation, reduce the stigma associated with homosexuality, respect the client’s religious beliefs, and consider possibilities for a religiously and spiritually meaningful and rewarding life.”
Then, in a craftily worded statement, Exodus International’s president, Alan Chambers, says, “not only is faith an essential part of life for many gay men and women, it is almost always the motivating factor behind their decision to leave it behind and that many in Exodus have experienced a shift in attractions along the way.”
Chambers further notes how grateful he is that the APA acknowledges that religious belief “is an essential element of many people’s lives and creates great moral conflict and tension for those who struggle with unwanted same-sex attraction.”
Exodus International positions itself as a ministry that offers “freedom from homosexuality through Jesus Christ,” and counts thousands of successful transformations. Its work also gave rise to the phrase “ex-ex-gay,” describing people who realize they can’t change what they are and exit Exodus.
In what turns out to be a research duel, an APA task force looked at 83 studies, dating back to 1960, on therapy designed to help a gay person become straight.
Evangelical psychologist Mark Yarhouse of Regent University and Prof. Stanton Jones of Wheaton College took a shot. Their six-year study of people in Exodus programs shows that more than half of 61 people changed to heterosexual lives or “disidentified” with being gay and embraced chastity. Thus their conclusion that people indeed can change, and there is no harm in trying.
Exodus International continues helping gays “leave homosexuality behind,” as if they would hang up their winter coats when the weather changes.
If only these people had a sense of humor, they’d remember the old joke: If I could change and not be gay, why would I continue to put up with this?
from MSN Health & Fitness