The following text is from The Exodus Impact (print newsletter), October 2003. XGW commentary forthcoming.
“From Alan’s desk”
[Exodus executive director Alan Chambers writes:]Dear Friends:
This is a season of desperation. Personally, I am desperate on a number of levels from wanting God’s answer about Leslie and I having children to being desperate as I pray for God’s provision for Exodus. I know that Exodus is desperate as it moves into the vision that God has for it as a Kingdom ministry and in these days of lack, Exodus is desperate for a solid financial base and generous givers. And all I have to do is flip on the news, read a newspaper or simply listen to people all around me talk to know that our world is desperate for a savior — even if they don’t know the Savior they truly need. That last point of desperation is what often compels me to work harder: I want everyone to know Jesus.
Over the course of my journey to becoming a mature believer I have come to realize that desperation is something that I will never and should never want to live without. And while I have come to realize that, even typing it makes me tired — I guess that is because self-reliance will always seem easier to my human brain. We live in a culture that has learned to depend on itself: we can cure cancer, fly over water, buy anything on credit and basically have anything our little minds can can think of; we, at least in Western culture, lack next to nothing. Think about it, we have cell phones, computers, 10 billion varieties of cereal and children have every toy imaginable; literally we have almost everything. But it’s the “almost” and “next to” that has us ever searching for and wanting more. What will save us? I believe the answer is learning to live with a Kingdom perspective rather than a self-focused one.
Personally, I have once again come to a crossroads. Over the course of my life I have had many opportunities to give up comfort and security in exchange for desperation. The Lord has often shown me ways to sacrifice and I have often opted for the easier, explainable or more short-term sacrifices. Because He is a good God He has blessed me for my teeny tiny sacrifices and never punished me for failing to pass a test He has administered. Because He is a good Father He has never stopped issuing challenges knowing that someday I would take them at face value and choose Him over myself.
Leading up to the conference this past summer I was desperate: desperate for God to do a new work; desperate for God to lead Exodus further into the promise land; desperate for people to catch the new vision; desperate for the work I had been doing not to fail; desperate for Him to drive a spiritual stake down into ground that would advance His Kingdom through the ministry of Exodus. My staff was desperate too and together we prayed daily as we walked around the conference site for 59 straight days leading up to the event. Coincidentally, it ended up being a combination of the number of days that it took the Israelites to walk around the Wall of Jericho and for Nehemiah and his crew to rebuild the wall. These two stories from the Bible were our inspiration, so I am sure that it was no coincidence to God. We were desperate and the Lord blessed our obedience, prayers and planning — the conference was incredible.
One area of the conference that had been of particular concern to my staff and me was the financial aspect. Post 9-11-2001, we noted that destination conferences (conferences that draw from a broad area) are down by 40% so we planned for 800 attendees rather than the 1,000 plus that we normally have. On the morning of June 7 the Lord spoke very clearly to Leslie and me individually, but at the same time. He challenged us to sow financially into Exodus in a way that we had never considered.
Leslie and I have been dealing with the fact that we are infertile. Most of you know what we have gone through trying to have children: in-vitro, artificial insemination and currently pursuing adoption. We trust the Lord and know that He has a plan. We believe that He has told us that we will have children. Because we are joyfully pursuing adoption we saved $10,000, the initial cost at the particular agency with which we are working. The morning that the Lord spoke to Leslie and me about sowing into Exodus, He asked us to give our adoption money. As soon as He spoke it I thought, Surely God wouldn’t ask for that. And as soon as i thought it I knew He had indeed asked us to give sacrificially. Man, even a few months later that still chokes me up. When I told Leslie what I had heard from the Lord she said, “I know. He just said the same thing to me.” Of course we were devastated. We had gone through the failure of trying to conceive, then conceiving via in-vitro only to lose all five embryos and now the Lord was asking us to sacrifice the only hope we had for a child. As we cried and walked the Lord began to speak to us through each other. He reminded us that He is big enough to give us a child without us having the money for it, after all He is God.
We realized that our small sacrifice was nothing in comparison to what He gave up. Most of all we realized that He wants us to be desperate and to know what it means to utterly rely on Him for everything. On the check made out to Exodus we wrote “Isaac” in the memo section. Within minutes our ache was joined with great joy. We are so grateful that the Lord asked us to partner with Him. We are so grateful that He wants to use us to help Exodus — a ministry that He literally used to save my life. the scene in Schindler’s List where Liam Neeson’s character, Oscar Schindler, broke down and asked himself what more could he have given to save the Jews played through in my mind that day. What more could we give, I wondered?
Last month at the Willow Creek Leaders Summit God challenged us again. Pastor Bill Hybels, a personal hero, was speaking on “Passing the Leadership Test.” There are five tests that he says are critical as we look for leaders to serve on our teams:
1. Bias toward action test — Leaders must be geared towards action
2. Can you follow directions test — Leaders must be able to follow directions
3. Who deserves the credit test — Leaders don’t hog the credit but rather pass it around
4. Grander vision test — Leaders must be committed to high risk/high reward vision
5. Will you leave it test — Leaders must be willing to realize that the grander vision is the costlier vision
When Bill got to No. 4, I asked the Lord to give me a high risk vision. As I was writing the title of No. 5 that day the Lord spoke through Bill to me. He said, “Luke 5:11 says, ‘…they left everything and followed Him.’ The grander vision is the costlier vision. God usually doesn’t tell people exactly what to do. Far more often he arranges for them to see the grander vision and then challenges them to go after it.”
The grandest vision I have ever seen is building the Kingdom. He has given us at Exodus a part in that in the specific area that He has called us to. Leslie and I want to give everything we have for the building of the Kingdom — and though it is little in earthly terms I know it is the surrendered heart that matters most to God. The Lord challenged us that day to sell our house, in which we have acquired a sizable amount of equity, tithe the profit to our church and give the remaining majority to Exodus. It is clear, that’s what He wants. We are being bombarded by the enemy now. Incredible houses that we have long admired are now available at a price we could afford if we kept the money from the sale of our house. Wonderful renovations to old houses on our street that we have been waiting anxiously to see take place are going to start happening. And, we have never loved our house more than we do at this moment. Isn’t it just like Satan to tempt us with the seemingly sweeter fruit just after we’ve been offered the one where the initial bite isn’t anything special but the after taste is out of this world? Man! So, the sign goes up in the yard this week and we are achingly giddy with anticipation over what the Lord is going to do.
One of my duties as the Executive Director is encouraging givers to give. Up to this point I wouldn’t say that I have been particularly gifted in this area because I hate asking — I never want anyone to run the other way when they see me coming for fear that I am only interested in their money. However, since reading a terrific little book called The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn, hearing Joni Eareckson Tada say that God loves a cheerful giver and a cheerful asker, and taking the challeng to give myself, I have gotten a little better at encouraging others to give to the Kingdom. After all, I am simply asking people to do something that will net them eternal rewards and ultimately mean that others will inherit the Kingdom.
I told you last month that Exodus is in debt. Miraculously, we are making it. We have paid off one large bill through the help of a generous giver and are whittling away at the mountain that remains. All the while we are pursuing our dream of paying our debts, owning a building and committed to never going in debt again for anything. And, you know, we believe that it’s possible because we know the Promiser.
Our mission at Exodus is to build the Kingdom through encouraging, educating and equipping the Church to redeem the homosexual. The vision the Lord has given us is endless. And, if you watch the news you know that the fields are white unto harvest NOW! We are going for it and I want to give you the magnificent opportunity to help us. Will you join with us financially to build the Kingdom? A wise hero in the faith and dear friend to Exodus terms the money given to ministries “blood money” because it is most often given so sacrificially by those who scrape together all they have for the building of the Kingdom. I daily pray that God will challenge all of us to give where it hurts and lay up our treasures in Heaven.
Please pray for Exodus. Please pray that Leslie’s and my house sells for a lot so that we can give a lot and bless our church and Exodus. Pray that God will bring others to give sacrificially. Pray about what God would have you give.
The stakes are high, the vision is costly and I for one will never regret leaving what I have left behind. Join Leslie and me — it is glorious!
For the Sake of the Call!
Alan Chambers
This is simply sad – to see someone who is so wrapped up in a false vision of God and sacrificing his entire life, and his family’s financial security, is simply horrible. Chambers among all of the “ex-gay” people must realize the basic fraud at the core of his work, and yet cannot see that the continuing failures of the ex-gay movement, and the financial straits these groups consistently find themselves in, may be the real way God is speaking to him.
It is also interesting that lesbians, at least, have been shown to have higher levels of infertility – I wonder if Mrs. Chambers is an “ex-lesbian”?
Alan wouldn’t put his family’s security on the line if he didn’t really believe. Wow, reading his plea made me sad. The Chamberses need prayers.
Does it actually cost over $10,000 to begin an adoption procedure? This seems excessive. I would imagine an efficient market in babies would rapidly whittle that figure down. As someone involved with right-to-life as Exodus appears to be (is there some right wing fad Exodus does not endorse?) couldn’t Alan get some sort of discount from an unwed mothers home? Find this whole set of facts unbelievable.
This is sad to watch. Trying to avoid schadenfreud, I wonder if Exodus could hit up its more prosperous colleqgues for some bucks. After all Exodus carries a lot of water for them. Which should be worth something. Like at minimum a plea from CWA, FRC and FOTF on their websites.
Also, just what would Exodus do with the money? The churches apparently pay for the presentations Exodus makes. Their publicity is gratis thanks to numerous organization that endorse their work. So, what do they need money for? Just wondering.
I think he maybe confusing his will with God’s will. I can understand putting money into something you believe in. I can understand putting time and work into something you believe in or structuring your family in such a way that it supports what you believe in with their time and work.
What I do not agree with is risking the future of your family in order to save or expand something you believe in. I take the view that God only expects us to do our own personal sacrifice and not drag other people in to it. In this case his wife and future child. I hope that he put some clear thought into this sell. I hope he considered the possibility that Exodus could go belly up leaving him unemployed. I hope that he purchases a smaller house with the money remaining but from the reading of this I am not sure he will be able to do that unless he lives in a pretty expensive house to start. Not to forget all the additional unexpected expenses that will result from the move and adoption. He and his family certainly could do with some prayers.
Two things:
1. Leslie is “everstraight”. Has said so in interviews.
2. Currently, the Chambers have two houses–one that they live in, and one that they rent out to others. They probably won’t be homeless for Jesus, and if they do become that way–well, they’re pretty dumb, eh?
Does it actually cost over $10,000 to begin an adoption procedure?
Adoption expenses run highest when seeking a newborn (when adoptive parents pay for the birth mom’s medical expenses) or a child from outside the U.S. (because of the travel). They run lower when adopting kids in the foster care system, of which over 400 are currently available in Florida; many of them have significant medical or behavioral challenges.
I’m glad that Alan and Leslie are not turning their adoption journey into an opportunity for grandstanding by pledging to “save” a child from the clutches of same-sex foster parents who are barred from adopting in Florida.
Foster parenting isn’t a good fit for everybody, but it demonstrates that lower-cost options for parenting — as well as ministering — are available. Perhaps they are considering other such avenues, or will soon.
What I find unconscionable on the part of Focus, FRC, and others who have relied on Exodus, is that they could do more to lend their considerable fundraising expertise.
Alan is up front about being uncomfortable with his role as fundraiser. Where is the Exodus board at this critical juncture? It is their job to recognize that he needs help and provide it.
As strongly as he feels about sacrificing for the benefit of Exodus, I hope his relationship with the board is strong. While this latest step is dramatic, it does not bind Exodus to retain him. If Exodus is teetering on the brink of financial collapse after two years with Chambers at the helm, the board may determine that a new leader needs to be selected.
His message is heartfelt, but confusing. Heavy on desperation, yet vague about its exact nature beyond “Exodus is desperate for a solid financial base and generous givers.” Visual cues about the wonderful neighborhood he is giving up, yet no clear vision for Exodus except “our dream of paying our debts, owning a building and committed to never going in debt again” and “building of the Kingdom”. He mentions a “mountain” of debt, and that Exodus “paid off one large bill through the help of a generous giver,” implying that a large debt was retired, but wouldn’t smart cash flow management during lean times include spreading a good-sized chunk of money among many creditors and holding some?
If the Exodus board accepts the Chambers’ generosity, I sure hope they’re also digging into their own pockets. They need to fund Chambers’ enrollment at in-depth professional seminars (which are never cheap) on serving as an executive. The curriculum needs to include fundraising and financial management of a non-profit. It also falls on the board to do the legwork of gathering donations. Alan has simplified their sales pitch — they only need to point to his example — which they would be wise to emulate.
Chambers’ job remains to create the vision for Exodus. The plan for achieving financial viability is essential to the vision, and it must be grounded on more than one-time shots in the arm, no matter how dramatic.
The sooner these bastard go down the tubes, the better off gay people will be. Exodus is a travesty whose time has gone.
Just what has Exodus spent all this money on? I have searched and can find very little that seems to come from such spending. And begin to wonder if this is all hype.
I can only agree with raj … and shake my head in wonder how Steve B. can apparently sympathize with (or strategize to counter) their plight. While I do not smile at the financial misfortune suffered by Exodus and those who work for it, I do find it heartening to know that the poster-child organization for the so-called ex-gay movement – remember the Paulks on the cover of Newsweek? remember those odious television ads? – appears to have fallen on hard times, particularly because the organizations (FOTF, NARTH, etc.) that support them (in word, if not deed) would in their heart of hearts like to make Leviticus the law of the land.
With any luck, this desperate rant from Alan Chambers will reap as much bad p.r. for Exodus as the surreptitious visit John Paulk paid to that Washington watering hole.
If these people want a “Kingdom”, then they better get the hell out of the United States. I want to be governed, not ruled.
“I can only agree with raj … and shake my head in wonder how Steve B. can apparently sympathize with (or strategize to counter) their plight.”
It’s called compassion. Love for humankind. Being able to care for one’s fellow human, even when and especially if that person is horribly misguided. One can care about people and not want them to suffer without supporting their endeavors. To do otherwise is to behave like too many fundamentalists from too many religions and philosophies.
All religious giving is down post-9/11:
The church I attend hasn’t seen this and has bucked the trend. Since 9/11 we have built a new building and grew in size. There really is no magic here. If you treat people well, they will come. While other conservative churches were participating in the so-called Marriage Protection Week, we were starting our 40 days of purpose. Positive vision trumps crisis any day of the week. Combining the two, part of Exodus’ problem is the overall giving climate and part is due to the nature of Exodus’ “ministry”.
I am not concerned about whether it sounds like I’m sympathizing with Exodus’ plight.
(My personal opinion is that the organization has every right to exist. I disagree with its assertions that the only healthy, moral way to live with same-sex attractions is to try to defeat them, and it bothers me that Exodus has a long history of distorting facts, encouraging unrealistic expectations, and hurting people in the process.)
Exodus has the option to be honest. Its participants could be given facts about success rates, the nature of changes experienced by ex-gays, the typically life-long nature of attractions, failure rates, and common threads in the stories of gays, ex-gays and ex-ex-gays. It could model respect for folks with whom it disagrees and either steer clear of politics or promote fairness and justice for all in the public sector.
And, it has an obligation to operate ethically.
A well-managed board will ask: Why isn’t the organization on firmer financial footing? (Hint: Blaming the employees for not donating enough is not an option.) How much of the drop in income is long-term, pointing to a need to realign goals and budgets in sync with reasonable income projections? If a windfall lands in their lap, should it be used to perpetuate the status quo, or should it be used to restructure and pare back expenses? Under what conditions should such a donation be turned down?
As a member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability, Exodus has pledged to meet standards which include that it will honor the donor’s intent for each gift, or return the gift if it is unable to do so. Conflicts of interest must be avoided, and donations are not to be accepted which “knowingly place a hardship on the donor, or place the donor’s future well-being in jeopardy.” All of these bear on the Chambers’ proposed gift — what is their intent, what controls will the board set for spending it, does it create conflicts, and does it cause hardship on the Chambers?
None of this is rocket science. These ideas shouldn’t be news to anyone at Exodus (not that they’re listening to me, anyway).
So far, though, I see no signs that this is being handled thoughtfully by Exodus; the opportunity is theirs to seize, though, if Exodus choose to handle Alan and Leslie’s heartfelt offer with the wisdom of Solomon.
This thread was an interesting read. It has helped me to see how important detailed communication is. So, below find some answers to questions that were raised above:
1. Exodus isn’t going under
2. Exodus’ finances are what they always have been for 28 years- just enough to survive
3. Exodus always enters the fall with debt related to conference expenses
4. Exodus always ends up in the black by the end of December
5. Exodus needs to make some changes
6. My desire for Exodus is to ensure that it has a healthier financial base than it currently does
7. Exodus needs to diversify its income sources — which we have
8. Our income has increased since 2001, but so has our vision and it takes a lot of money to accomplish the vision that I have put forth
9. Leslie and I didn’t give because we had to, we give because we want to and because God has blessed us with a lot to give
10. To whom much is given, much is required.
11. How many people put their finances into causes and companies they believe in? What kind of people do this? 1) A lot and 2) The committed ones
12. This isn’t a hardship for us and we won’t be homeless–we just won’t be living in a house that is as well renovated as ours is–yet.
13. The money isn’t going towards debt or general budget expenses it is going towards the hiring of a Director of Development and the purchase of a building
14. Leslie isn’t ex-gay
15. 9/11 mostly affected charities–people remained faithful to churches because that is where the first fruits go
16. Exodus rarely makes financial pleas and our constituents have more than generously responded to the urgency of the moment
17. I am always glad to answer questions–feel free to email me personally.
18. We are in good standing with the ECFA
Would you then be at liberty, Mr. Chambers, to comment on the current “desperation” that Exodus has experienced? After all, you use 18 different variants of the word in your missive. If everything is hunky dory with your organization, why have you struck such a panicked tone?
-Just/Curious-
Precisely the thought I have.
Exodus is desperate for exactly what I say or allude to:
1. A stronger financial base — it may be better than it was prior to me taking over, but it isn’t what it was in 1999 & 2000. It isn’t what it could and will be.
2. A stronger partnership with the church community
3. To spread the Good News about change
4. To move farther into the vision and mission that God has called us to
5. To be used by those who call homosexuality sinful but offer no solution for those who want an alternative
6. To get the church that does nothing or says nothing about homosexuality to actually take a biblical stand
7. To pay off bills that we pay monthly on
8. For more money to hire more staff–mine is currently overworkd and underpaid.
9. For a building that we own free and clear
Exodus is desperate to be more than it ever has been. Desperation doesn’t always mean that one is on the brink of death, it sometimes means that we are on the brink of fuller life. I see Exodus as the later. I intend to see Exodus fulfill its mission–I am desperate for that.
I know most, if not all, of you are disappointed that we aren’t on the brink of destruction. Sorry to disappoint you all.
Alan
With all due respect, Alan, sarcasm doesn’t become you. I wish no ill to you or to your family or to anyone at Exodus. Someone very dear to me works for you and I want only the best for him.
Would I like to see Exodus go out of business? Absolutely, as I believe it to be dangerous and much more political than it pretends to be. But just as I won’t throw a party should that occur (which doesn’t appear likely to me), neither will I fall into despair if it doesn’t.
On another subject, is Earle Fox still involved with Exodus at all? It blew my mind to see him up to his old tricks at Bishop Robinson’s consecration.
Who is Earle Fox? And what tricks? Seems like this would require a different thread. Anyway, thanks Alan for clarifying the situation.
I brought this up here because the question was addressed primarily to Alan, who has a number of things in common with Earle and may know him, and he obviously drops by this topic, so…
Long story short: The Rev. Earle Fox used to head DC’s Transformation Ex-Gay Christian Ministries, which at least used to be Exodus-affiliated. Ol’ Earle used to represent TCM while testifying against gay-equality legislation before the Maryland State Legislature. Now, he’s working within the Pittsburgh Episcopal diocese with a virulently anti-GLBT organization called Emmaus Ministries and he offers an anti-gay seminar for churches. Earle had a national audience for his shenanigans when he presented one of the objections at yesterday’s consecration in New Hampshire. He did the same thing he pulled before the Maryland legislative committee — launching into a list of so-called gay sexual acts before being told to cut it out. With all due respect, Earle behaves like a cretin. (This, I assume, is not a quality he shares with Alan.)
Thanks for the clarification Natalie. Sometimes it seems as if we need to have a program to deal with the cast. Interesting that he works with the Pittsburgh diosces. Which is financed by Scaife and some reconstructionists. The wonderful people who brought you the Clinton Chronicles (accuse Bill and Hillary of murder) and the impeachment. Does Exodus have ties to the resconsturctionists? In other words, is there any right wing crazy this side of Fred Phelps that Exodus does not work with.
Natalie:
I wasn’t being sarcastic I was being honest. You said it yourself, and I consider you to be one of the more fair minded in this crowd, that you would like to see Exodus go out of business. By the way, that isn’t very tolerant of you–everyone should have options.
As for Earle Fox, he is around the ex-gay circles (which are as diverse as the pro-gay organizations), attending conferences, etc., but Earle isn’t on staff at an Exodus ministry. I don’t Earle well–I have met him on several occasions. I don’t know his style or his message. What similarities do you think we have? You assume correctly that I don’t behave like a cretin or descibe lurid sex acts to underscore any points.
As for Exodus being secretive about its political affiliations, etc, we aren’t–secretive. And, though we add our voice to political issues at times, individually and corporately, our mission isn’t to win political battles or even fight in them. Because I believe there is a healthy balance to be found for Exodus/ex-gays in the political arena I have dipped our toes in the water–sometimes our whole foot has gotten wet and we are learning from those experiences. But, like I said several posts ago, I am more than willing to be honest about where I stand, what I believe and how Exodus fits into that. There is nothing secret here.
Thanks, honestly, for your critical feedback–you too, Dale.
Alan
General comments on the issue of politics and exgays. IMHO, the winner of the battle is usually the one which best controls its crazies. Conservative christianity has taken hit after hit due to its corporate inablility to disassociate itself from hate mongers like Fred Phelps and this Earle person. IMPE it took over a decade for conservative christians to finally get around to repubidating Phelps. All the bafflegab about lines of communication, membership criteria and other bureaucratic hooha do not address the issue of moral accountibility. In short, does Exodus endorse the style of debate Earle practices or not? And if not, is Exodus willing to work to remove him from cc discourse?
“You said it yourself, and I consider you to be one of the more fair minded in this crowd, that you would like to see Exodus go out of business. By the way, that isn’t very tolerant of you–everyone should have options.”
Everyone except for those who want to marry — under secular law — the person they love if that person happens to be of the same gender, right, Alan? You may consider Exodus their option, but, IMO, that is a most unreasonable and potentially dangerous option for the vast majority of humans and not worthy of consideration.
I’m not tolerant, Alan? Do you see me testifying to prevent you from practicing your ministry under law? Do you see me working to shut you down? Let’s flip this: You oppose same-gender couples having the legal right to marry — under secular law. You have testified against us having protection from discrimination in workplace and housing. Does that sound tolerant to you?
I don’t have to like Exodus to be tolerant of its existence. I can want it to go out of business. But I am not trotting out the gendarme to shut you down or taking you to court. Exodus exists. I hate it, but I deal with it. That is toleration, which does not necessarily equal approval.
Similarities between you and Earle? Working in your line of endeavor. Testifying before secular governmental bodies in opposition to equality for all under law and in favor of punishing under secular law those who don’t follow your religious beliefs. Holding similar opinions about a particular segment of humanity. Those are three biggies.
*If* you are being more open about Exodus’ political activities and connections to the political religious “right,” it’s about time.
Dale:
I daily re-direct CC organiztions who seek to use people with an inflamitory and polarizing demeanor. I know very little about Earle Fox so I cannot personally make any observations about him. Fred Phelps, on the other hand, is a sick man. There are others within the ex-gay and CC movement who I regularly ask others not to use or promote because of the way that they conduct themselves.
Alan
Natalie:
I did speak out against an Orlando ordinance, but not because I think discrimination should occur, but because it wasn’t occurring.
I believe that there are few checks and balances when it comes to pro-gay legislation. It seems that the trend is to give the gay lobby whatever they seek, even if that is a detriment to society as a whole. And even if there is no certifiable reason or evidence to do so.
The Orlando ordinance regaring adding sexual orientation into the list of anti-discrimination prohibitions presented a case full of anecdotal evidence. The cases that gave specifics were ones where a person was fired from a religious company (Baptist Bookstore owned by the Southern Baptist Convention). The point came through loud and clear that the gay community wanted the law to affect religious institutions. Now, we are one step closer to that in Orlando. I opposed the ordinance in large part for that reason.
Another reason I opposed the ordinance was because I do not believe that rental property owners (individuals, not corporations) should have to rent property to someone based on sexual orientation: gay, straight or ex-gay. Remember, Exodus was discriminated against when leasing property in Orlando not once, but three times. It stug, but I respected the right of those who owned the property.
As for gay marriage, I am opposed to this. I am not opposed to someone being gay, partners being listed as next of kin, partners being the ones who decide how to deal with healthcare issues, or partners being the beneficiary in wills. But, I believe marriage is reserved for one man and one woman and that redefining that will and is leading to redefining it on many levels.
By the way, so many of my beliefs are shared by lesbian author Tammy Bruce. Her two incredible books: The New Thought Police and The Death of Right and Wrong are must reads. I believe she is taking to task the pro-gay establishment in a way that is extremely necessary and long overdue. I think that the true gay community, not the leaders of the pro-gay organizations, should take what she says to heart.
Alan
With all due respect, Mr. Chambers, one lesbian author does not a gay consensus make. Ms. Bruce is an iconoclast and outside the mainstream thinking on most gay issues (at least the gay and gay-affirming thinking).
More importantly, I find it insulting for you to claim anti-gay discrimination isn’t happening, considering the events in Florida with the high-school student (I realize this happened in Jupiter, but the point is it is happening in Florida). During the many debates on the similar state-wide law in Maryland, the Governor finally detailed a task force to go beyond anecdotes and get to the real meat of the matter in terms of anti-gay discrimination, because of the chorus of “Christians” who kept insisting anti-gay discrimination wasn’t an issue. I believe Free State Justice still has a link to the report (which detailed wide-spread discrimination in jobs, housing and, to a lesser extent, public accommodations in Maryland). I would bet money, and I am Scottish and hate to part with my money, that the exact same thing, to a much larger degree is going on in Florida, and even in Orlando.
Most of this discrimination is hidden from view – if it is legal, there is no one to complain to. I have no idea how long you have been claiming to be “ex-gay” but would hope you would remember the tremendous strain of living in the closet. Think about those people with anti-gay landlords, who have to sanitize their apartments from any clues they are gay when they have repairs done – or how difficult it is to work for a “Christian” and have to lie and obfuscate to ensure your secret is never found out.
That takes an enormous emotional and physical toll on gay people (during my final years in the closet, I had problems with high blood pressure because of the tremendous strain I was under). Certainly the damage done to innocent gay and lesbian human beings in this country from certain “religious” idealogues far outweighs any mythical “detriment to society as a whole” that you and your ilk claim comes from gay and lesbian people. In fact, as a hard-working, tax-paying individual, with a family who loves and supports him (including my proto-gay 6-year-old nephew), I really do not believe I am a detriment to my society (OK, I will admit my lawn needs mowing, but that is more a cosmetic issue).
Sorry, Alan, you only made my point.
Alan, I appreciate your feedback, even if I disagree with your inconsistencies.
You say discrimination isn’t happening, but then you cite examples of actual discrimination — and you add that employers and landlords should have the right to discriminate against both gays and ex-gays.
Inconsistencies aside, I would applaud your libertarian sentiment — if you hadn’t said that you would not rent your own second house to gays or witches. You may have had that right, but there’s little sign of Christ in such labeling and pre-judgment of others, in my opinion.
With the ordinance change in effect, the house risked becoming a political liability to you, as well as a fundraising source for Exodus.
You might have modeled bold Christian leadership and demonstrated grand vision by refraining from prejudgment and renting to a gay celibate or a Christian witch, and donating their rental payments to Exodus. Instead, you prejudged people in public testimony, and you opted to sell the house for a one-time cash gain.
No doubt you rented the house out to a variety of heterosexual sinners in the past, Alan. If you don’t mind my asking, I’m curious to know how you justify tolerating heterosexual sinners in your home, but not same-sex-attracted ones. And I’m curious to know how you feel now that landlords cannot legally discriminate against Exodus on the basis of sexual orientation.
By the way, I believe the lessons from the Willow Creek seminar are somewhat flawed. True leaders know when to take risks, and when not to. And they know how to discern between God’s voice and their own shared fears. I must confess, Alan, that I am not quite sure you have learned these things just yet.