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Ex-Gay Ministry to Launch Christian Resource

[press release from Exodus International's 'Live Out Loud' Conference today in Marion, Indiana]



June 29, 2006, Marion, IN- As many church denominations continue to debate their position on homosexuality, including the Episcopal Church USA's recent deliberations, key religious leaders from around the country joined Exodus International at a press conference today at Indiana Wesleyan University to announce the launch of a resource designed to educate churches on a biblical,compassionate response to this issue.

The Exodus Church Network is a coalition of churches that stand on the truth of Scripture and offer hope and help to those impacted by homosexuality. Exodus International will provide training and resources to educate church leaders and their congregations on what the Bible has to say about this issue. Former homosexuals will be available to speak and encourage an attitude of compassion towards the gay community as well as church members struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction.

Senior Pastor of Antioch Bible Church in Redmond, Wash. and former NFL Middle Linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers and Seattle Seahawks Dr. Ken "Hutch" Hutcherson took part in today's press conference and said the need for such a resource is imminent. Other speakers included Kristin Johnson, Executive Director of OneByOne, an organization that offers a redemptive, biblical perspective on homosexuality within the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, Pastor Patrick Payton, Senior Pastor of Stonegate Fellowship Southern Baptist Church of Midland, Texas and Mike Goeke, Director of the Exodus Church Network.

"Many sitting in the pews on Sunday are confused about what the Bible really has to say about homosexuality as well as the attitude we are to have towards those in the gay community," said Alan Chambers, President of Exodus International. "Former homosexuals, like me, have often experienced either harsh condemnation or theological misinformation in the church - neither of which are helpful to those confused and personally struggling with this issue.

"Recent denominational controversy and debate has added to the church's lack of clarity on this topic as well," said Chambers. "Ours is a passionate call to the global church to extend the love and kindness of Jesus Christ, the hope of freedom for those who seek it and the steadfast truth of the Scriptures."

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Exodus International is an interdenominational resource and referral organization that offers help to men and women affected by unwanted same-sex attraction. The organization has been in existence for 30 years, has more than 135 member agencies in its expanding network across North America and ministers to 400,000 people who contact the ministry each year.
Founded in 1976, Exodus International is the largest resource and referral organization dealing with homosexual issues in the U.S. and throughout the world. With over 135 ministries across North America, Exodus is a growing network of former homosexuals dedicated to sharing the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

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The local Exodus affiliate for Indiana is Hope & New Life Ministries. Brad Grammer, Executive Director.

posted by IndyChristian @ 6:16 PM