Comments on: Exodus makes public statement regarding Richard Cohen

By: Exodus makes new policy statement regarding holding therapy and IHF — Warren Throckmorton

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 01:00:27 +0000

[...] former statement is here and was made in light of television appearances of Mr. Cohen demonstrating his [...]

By: Warren Throckmorton » Blog Archive » Ex-gay history: Richard Cohen’s 2000 Exodus Conference presentation

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 18:50:01 +0000

[...] that such methods were at odds with their views of how Christian ministry should operate and led to this Exodus statement on their website: Statement on Richard [...]

By: Nancy B.

Nancy B. — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 21:47:27 +0000

This is a very good conversation, I have enjoyed seeing the various viewpoints.. while this is a bit off topic I did want to address a statement made by Michael Bussee.. ” â€œTherapyâ€ means â€œhealingâ€ â€” and thatâ€™s what all ministries are really called to do, isnâ€™t it?” According to Webster, therapy means ‘treatment’ not healing or cure. As a director of one of those cats that Alan is herding I would like to say that I know of no one but the Holy Spirit who can heal.

By: Warren

Warren — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 19:11:38 +0000

Mary – I agree that Alan is doing well giving the herding cats nature of Exodus. I would contest however, that Exodus and NARTH’s moves are in some way equivalent. Exodus made a plain statement on their website, with clear intent and focus. NARTH simply removed references to Mr. Cohen with no statement or explanation. While I commend them for acting, one cannot say, they moved without others. It seems to me that they are following rather than leading on that point at least.

By: Mary

Mary — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 19:06:16 +0000

While both sides argue as to the best way to handle eachother – let’s remember that there have always been and will always be good people and bad people in any organization, movement, industry, religion, neighborhood etc…

Blaming Alan for all the bad in ex gays or religious people is foolish. As well, holding Cohen out there as an example of all reparative therapists is foolish. Alan is doing an excellent job at handling some of the strange ideas and actions of other “ex gay” groups and ministries. And Cohen has been removed from association with reputable reparative therapist and ex gay organizations.

Keeping in mind that all kinds of social groups, ideas, religious actions etc… go through changes and growing pains. School boards have removed unsavory characters who appeared genuine at one time. Businesses and industries install new procedures for hiring and employee review as conflicts arise. Families renegotiate what their roles and responsibilities are going to be to one and other continually. That Exodus International & NARTH have moved forward without others is a breath of fresh air. It shows integrity and genuine concern for their passion – to help others who are dissatisfied with same sex attraction.

By: Mary Ann

Mary Ann — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 04:26:16 +0000

As the mother of two gay sons, the reality of hate is always in the back of my mind. Last week one mentioned about his house ‘getting egg’d’ and although my heart skipped a beat from fear, I teased with him that if they only threw two eggs the vandals must have been throwing them randomly. When our own house would be egg’d and worse, our church leaders would respond with “What do you expect!” Such attitudes eventually made our daughter comment that “If such behavior is “Christian”, do I really want to associate with such people?”

By: Michael Bussee

Michael Bussee — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 16:03:01 +0000

Perhaps it was on another thread, but someone recently commented that while Christians SHOULD stand against violence and hatred, they should not be forced to hire gays or rent to them.

Let’s take this one step further: Christians should not be forced to hire or rent to ANY sinner! That way, all of their business and apartments could be nice, quiet, morally pure and EMPTY. “Sinners need not apply”.

By: Michael Bussee

Michael Bussee — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 15:22:36 +0000

Ann: I believe that, too. God has wonderful things in mind for us all. For example, isn’t it remarkable that we have this forum to discuss our differences — and our common faith? No place else like this, huh? Thanks, Warren, for providing the space.

By: Ann

Ann — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 21:37:48 +0000

Michael,

You have so many wonderful things to look forward to.

God bless -

Ann

By: Michael Bussee

Michael Bussee — Tue, 27 Mar 2007 15:49:39 +0000

Thank you, Ann. That means a lot to me. I am still reeling from the experience, but I know the that I am also blessed — one of those who “mourn and shall be comforted.”