A doctrinal statement released by the new Restored Hope Network last week seemed to downplay potential differences between it and Exodus International, particularly on the reparative therapy controversy. But a new statement by Andy Comiskey sets the new ex-gay organization at odds with Exodus.
In a letter to supporters of his Desert Stream Ministries, Comiskey outlines the main differences. First, a gay Christian cannot be saved:
Whereas Exodus believes that practicing ‘gay’ Christians may well inherit the Kingdom of heaven, we beg to differ.
Second, every homosexual can experience a change in orientation, to some degree, if he submits to Christ:
Though we agree with Exodus’ desire to more accurately define ‘change’ for those with SSA, Exodus now appears tentative and unclear as to the degree to which the same-sex attracted will experience change at all in their sexuality. We believe that Jesus brings change to every Christian with SSA who seeks Him whole-heartedly.
Where Exodus International has rejected the reparative therapy associated with Joseph Nicolosi and NARTH, Comiskey embraces it:
Exodus recently broke ties with ‘reparative therapy’, a broad school of thought developed by theorists and therapists who view same-sex attraction as a symptom of the breakdown in whole gender development. While Desert Stream Ministries is founded on theological, not psychological values, we rely upon reparative insights to understand what is blocked or missing in our souls.
Lastly, there can be no truce with gay Christians:
Exodus seems intent on building bridges with practicing ‘gay’ Christians. We believe that God wants only the best for all people, including practicing homosexuals. In His love, we fight for their repentance. However, we disagree with making peace with Christians who advocate homosexual practice; to us, these are false teachers who are guilty of leading others into darkness, an offense worse than Christians caught in sin who know it.
Comiskey ends with this insight into the Restored Hope Network:
Desert Stream Ministries is pleased to partner with like-minded ministries and individuals who are forming a new coalition entitled the Restored Hope Network. We urge any of you who are interested to join our first ‘Restored Hope’ gathering in Sacramento this September 21st and 22nd.
RHN’s doctrinal statement did not explicitly endorse any method or theory of conversion therapy, although we know that key leaders such as Comiskey and Robert J Gagnon are supporters of reparative therapy. Now Comiskey appears to speak on RHN’s behalf.
Given Exodus President Alan Chambers’s promise that no member ministry would be able to practice or promote reparative therapy, it will soon be time for Exodus to decide whether membership of the Restored Hope Network is compatible with Exodus affiliation. Exit Joe Dallas?
Hat-tip for this story to Warren Throckmorton.
I’m always entertained by reading Andrew Comiskey’s pronouncements. Do ex-gay leaders attend a special training course to acquire the skills necessary for writing this kind of sententious claptrap? And what precisely is “sexual wholeness” when it’s at home? Sex wi’ nowt taken out?
And vice versa. I asked Robert Gagnon if RHN will allow dual membership and he responded that “We are still in the process of working through this.”
RHN seems set to be the last refuge of the ex-gay culture warriors who need a place where it is still safe to pretend that their hatred is really love.
Hello.
I’m a long time leader of DSM groups at my local church. I need your help. In my research I cant find anything that supports this claim.
Whereas Exodus believes that practicing ‘gay’ Christians may well inherit the Kingdom of heaven, we beg to differ.
Could you please tell me where I can find this out for myself. Thanks !!!
@John Hayes
Which claim exactly?
@David Roberts
The Calim that Exodus believes that practicing ‘gay’ Christians may well inherit the Kingdom of heaven.
@John Hayes
While I think Alan Chambers has made comments to that effect since, his statement at the GCN conference early this year should suffice:
He was speaking to self-identified gay Christians at a conference for the Gay Christian Network, and addressing specifically Justin Lee, the founder of that organization and very much a gay Christian who does not have any issues with same-sex, romantic relationships.
There have been discussions about Chamber’s sincerity in all of htis, but if you take him at his word and are looking for evidence that he holds (or has at some point held) the view that “practicing” gay Christians will go to heaven, this would seem to be a pretty clear example.
Then again, you could always ask him yourself if it is important to you.
John Hayes,
Alan Chambers said it in the latest Lisa Ling Our America interview a few weeks back, not the extended interview, but in the last 10 minutes of the special. That show is not available for viewing from what I can tell, but here is a link to what Lisa had to say about your question. When Alan was speaking, I recall him including all gay and strait people, practicing or not. And, he is correct. All naturally born practicing homosexuals will go to heaven along with their straight and bisexual piers. Sorry that contradicts your erroneous theory, but it’s just the way things are.
https://www.afterelton.com/tv/2012/08/interview-lisa-ling-returns-to-exodus-on-own
…all this time and energy wasted on who goes to which fictional place after they die, so it can be decided whether or not they can be treated with dignity and respect while they are alive. Beyond disgusting.