There has been no press release by Exodus, no outreach to Rick Warren, no condemnation of Stephen Langa and Martin Ssempa. And Exodus remains as deliberately vague as ever about Schmierer’s role in a conference that he and Chambers knew in advance would be used to launch a new antigay pogrom.

Until Exodus issues a widely disseminated press release and condemns key individuals, Exodus has condemned nothing. Whispering a vague blog expression of horror, and offering to pray but do nothing else whatsoever, is in no way an explicit, official, public response to this human-rights disaster.

I would imagine so — since he went with their blessing and received their praise. And why was it Randy Thomas, and not Exodus president, Alan Chambers, who gave Exodus’ “official” stand on this issue? Alan can sure take official stands on other issues and issue press releases for issues he really cares about.

I agree with the Rick Warren referral…and suggested it earlier.

Fred Phelps has never been the face of either Evangelicalism or Fundamentalist Christianity. Some on the left like to beat us about the head and shoulders with his obscene views…

Opposing views or posts which highlite incongruities in his statements are ok, as long as they don’t appear in the comments section of his (Exodus’) blog.

“Yes, this is an official response from Exodus.”

He made a point of saying he wasn’t responding to me. That doesn’t matter. It was for Uganda, not me. Again, I thank Exodus for doing it. They must have thought it might do some good too. I think it will.

The Ugandan government is seeking to further stigmatize and criminalize (to death or extreme punishment) people who deal with homosexuality. It seems that the government has no respect for freedom. Especially as it pertains to free will or self-determination on what a person does with their own same sex attractions. This sweeping, hateful, public policy being promoted threatens anyone struggling with same sex attractions, and their loved ones, with death or imprisonment.

I think it says it very well. I will distribute it to everyone I know. Pray it has more power to have an impact than some here seem to think it will. God is at work. And God can do anything.

Hey, here’s a thought: Maybe we could ask Rick Warren if he agrees. If he does, who knows? Maybe other religious leaders and organizations will follow suit. Maybe even the Family Life Network and International Healing Foundation will get on Board.

It’s what I intend to say when I communicate with Rick Warren and the other contacts we have been given. Thanks Debbie.

Issuing these statements, even from an organization with “miniscule power”, may have great impact as one voice builds upon the other. One brave Christian voice. Then another. And another. Until it’s a loud, collective cry.

The devil loves silence.

PS, I know it’s hard to believe, but as I told Warren today by phone, This was not about making Exodus look bad. It geuinely distresses me when I see Exodus in a mess like this. I would have been fighting for this just as hard if I were still ex-gay and still an Exodus Board member — just to let people know where we stand.

The founders would have. I know Jim Kaspar would have. Gary Cooper would have. Robbi, Ron, Greg — even Frank Worthen. I am SURE of it.

I am very proud that Exodus spoke. And that’s a fact, not gloating. They may not have done it the way I wanted, but they did the right thing.