Exodus International to close after 3 decades

Exodus International to close after 3 decades

IRVINE, Calif. — Exodus International, the oldest and largest Christian ministry dealing with faith and homosexuality, announced it is closing its doors after three-plus decades of ministry. 

“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,” said Tony Moore, an Exodus board member. The message came less than a day after Exodus released a statement apologizing 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,” said 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 continued, “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.

“Our goals are to reduce fear and come alongside churches to become safe, welcoming and mutually transforming communities.”