Another major ministry has left the network of Exodus International. New Direction, an Exodus member ministry led by Wendy Gritter in Canada, has just announced on their blog that they will not be renewing their membership.
At the same time, we have become uncomfortable with some of the messages expressed in a variety of ways through the very diverse Exodus network. Some of these messages run counter to the ways that we are seeking to build bridges and be part of the broader missional conversation. I am also mindful that some of the distinct emphasis of New Direction may be troublesome to other Exodus leaders – and I would not want our presence in the network to be a source of tension or disagreement.
Some may be familiar with Wendy and her decidedly different attitude on the subject of how to approach the issue of gay Christians — a concept that Exodus has barely given lip service and others staunchly deny the existence of. Wendy posted on XGW last year, leading to a wonderful thread of lively discussion.
In leaving, New Direction joins Where Grace Abounds and Mastering Life Ministries, both major, longtime members of the Exodus network that left last year. While writing about one of those departures, this writer wrote this in response to Wendy saying, “We also see the sin of self-righteousness as equally heinous in the eyes of God and those who condemn others as equally in need of redemption as any of the people they accuse.”
Why don’t we find deeply honest statements like that on the Exodus website? And one wonders how long Wendy Gritter and New Direction can hope to maintain their membership.
While it appears certain that leaving was as decision made by New Direction, it seems equally certain that the handwriting was on the wall long ago. How many more will be leaving this year?
Meanwhile, we congratulate New Direction on its …new direction.
Huzzah for Wendy! You made a good choice.
Currently, I consider “New Direction” to be somewhat of an ally to the gay community; simply because they are catering to a segment of humanity that will not act upon same-sex attraction but at the same time doesn’t force any kind of ideology on the rest of us through lobbying and political involvement.
Although many will disagree with their premise, as I always say – my freedom ends where theirs begins, and I truly believe, at this point, that we can coexist.
Yes, I can see why New Direction would not flow with stand of Exodus. They definately take a more compassionate approach to ministering to those struggling with saem sex attraction. Coming alongside them, and helping them to live the best they can with what they are given by God.
Being an openly gay Christian Man now (who for a long time tried to integrate my sexuality with my faith), I can completely co-exist with such a ministry. I’m supportive of them and the work they do.
“New Directions” is a ministry, while Alan Chambers’ and Randy Thomas’ Exodus is a political organization that uses God as part of a culture war. That tension between missions was bound to result in a split eventually.
I am guessing that the exgays at “New Directions” aren’t the only exgays who are tired of being used as political pawns by Exodus and Focus on the Family.
Thank you Emily. We do hope to be advocates for justice in our distinct context – which is relational not political. We see as part of our role the call to confront and challenge the anxiety & fear and misuse of power in the Christian community that is at the root of much of the opposition to the gay community. Frankly, I just cannot see how fear or domination could ever be the vehicle through which the good news of the gospel could reach those who are seeking within the gay community.
Dan in Toronto thank you for your generous response. I do celebrate that despite differences and disagreements, New Direction is more engaged in relationship with gay Christians than ever before. I see this bridge building as a growing focus for us as a ministry. The reality is, many congregations have people who fall on various places on the theological spectrum when it comes to homosexuality. A key question for me is: How do we love one another through difference and be the Body of Christ together? I wish you well.
Hi John ….. I doubt anyone at New Direction would be very comfortable identifying as exgay at all. We have really tried to embrace an authenticity that doesn’t expect people to chase the holy grail of heterosexuality – but rather to focus their spiritual, emotional and relational energy on their relationship with Jesus and with others in the Body of Christ.
Finally, thank you David. You know of my desire to keep this announcement as low key as possible. I want to navigate this time of transition with as much respect and humility as possible. My prayer is: That Christ will be glorified, the church unified, and those who experience same-gender attraction given every opportunity to experience and grow in relationship with God.
Wendy discussed New Directions’ relationship with Exodus in a comment back in September. I have to admit I had some doubts then whether ND was seriously evaluating its Exodus membership. I’m glad I was wrong and, hopefully, ND will be a different type of gay-conservative-Christian ministry.
Exodus.to was quick to remove New Directions from its website. From my review of their member ministry listings, Living Water Canada is the only non-US ministry listing on Exodus “International”‘s network. If this trend continues, maybe Exodus International will rename itself “Exodus ‘merica” or “Exodus Southern-US-States”.
New Directions is still listed here – https://exodus.to/content/view/32/116/
Hopefully not for long.
To our shame, Exodus Global Alliance is settled in and operating out of Canada, not far down the highway from New Directions.
Big step Wendy, go with God.
I remember the discussions about New Direction and conversations with Wendy that took place here last year. I’m glad to see that Wendy and those in her ministry continue to demonstrate themselves to be the people I perceived them to be back then.
This discussion seems to be more theological than anything else, and, as an atheist, I probably have little to contribute. So I’m just popping by to mention that stray apostrophe in your final sentence. It grieves me.
TRiG.
Argh, that drives me nuts! That is one of my grammatical weaknesses and always has been. Thanks for pointing it out, not that four other writers should notice it 😉
The discussion is theological at the base, but the ramifications of this move are also quite tangible. New Direction can be just that, a change of direction and a model for other ex-gay ministries and that would greatly reduce or even eliminate the conflict on this subject for many.
So perhaps there is something besides my wayward apostrophe that you can dig into after all.
Perhaps, David, but not at this time of night. It’s 00.45 here in Ireland.
TRiG.
I think (in fact I know) that ND is a legitimate and sensitive ministry. As much as my experience tells me that most ex-gay ministries present very unrealistic hope for complete “change” (whatever that really means), I think the ND team and Wendy are very sensitive to the fact that false hope provides nothing but more pain and pressure on an already struggling individual. I have had some involvement with ND in the past, and although I have moved on from all ex-gay therapy or programs (after 10 years of being involved), I still think there should be a place for them in the spectrum of Sexual Diversity in our culture.
My support of ND is not a free pass, but more a recognition that I as a gay Christian man, celebrate diversity, as long as the indiviuals’ dignity is respected, and I have no doubt that ND offers dignity to every person they are in contact with. Which is much more than most Ex Gay Ministries can say. HOLLA!
Wendy,
My admiration continues to grow.
Not only because you and New Directions have taken steps to allow you to grow in the direction that you believe that God is leading you, but also because you are sensitive to the fact that your new direction may bring dissonance and conflict to Exodus. The compassion you show – to all, wherever they are on the spectrum – surely is the way that Christ would have us interact.
I wish you much joy and peace
Thank you Timothy – that means a lot to me.
Peace back to you.
No free passes here, but it is truly refreshing after dealing with all the muck we all do every day, to find someone like Wendy or Andrew Marin. These are the people with whom one can disagree and still be friends. They get it.