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of Christianity and homosexuality.
The following is not an official statement of either organization, but a summary provided by a Detroit HA board member.
Purpose The purpose of both organizations is to assist men and woman who struggle with unwanted homosexual feelings and behavior to experience freedom from homosexuality through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Both organizations believe and experience the truth that the power of God can transform men and women so that they shed the old, sinful identity and in its place learn new ways of relating to self and others. The goals of the organizations are identical; their methods are somewhat different and complementary. The Lord has seen fit to work through both efforts.
Primary Methods
HA "Twelve-step" type meetings.
Exodus Seminars, individual and group counseling,
and facilitated group meetings.
Are meetings led by trained counselors?
HAUsually not.
Exodus Usually.
Are fees charged?
HA Never.
Exodus Sometimes, but waived in some cases according to ability to pay.
Are meetings open?
HA Yes, always. "Drop ins" are encouraged.
Exodus Some meetings are open, and others consist of closed groups
following a specific curriculum.
Membership Requirements
HA Any individual who struggles with unwanted homosexual feelings and
behavior, and who attends a meeting, is considered a member.
Exodus Membership of affiliates (counseling centers) is subject to
oversight by Exodus International. Individual membership of local
affiliates is open to all who participate.
Seminars and other resources for family members of homosexuals?
Yes.
Books and Materials
Comprehensive book and resource ministry.
Opportunities for involvement by local churches?
HA Yes. Contact nearest chapter.
Exodus Yes. Contact nearest affiliate.
How are referrals obtained?
HA Ads in local papers, mailings to churches, and coverage by local
Christian and secular media.
Primary focus of marketing directly to the gay and lesbian community.
Exodus Seminars, presentations at local churches, tables at Promise
Keepers events, and other types of publicity. Primary focus of
marketing is the Christian community; Christians are encouraged to
witness to homosexuals and direct them to an Exodus seminar or other
activity.
When does one organization refer people to the other?
HA H.A. meetings are often the first type of recovery effort
experienced by people seeking to step away from the gay and
lesbian lifestyle. These people are comfortable with the
anonymity associated with H.A. Men and women who seem to require something
more than an anonymous 12-step type program are referred to Exodus
International affiliates.
Exodus Men and woman who seem to require something more than an
anonymous 12-step type program are referred to Exodus International
affiliates. Sometimes the closeness or required participation associated
with a seminar series or other Exodus activity can appear to be
"too much" for a person struggling with homosexual feelings and
behavior. People not "fully committed" sometimes find the
HA's "anonymous open meeting" approach to be more accommodating or
comfortable, and are referred to a local H.A. chapter.
Are there dual affiliations for local chapters/affiliates?
Dual affiliations are discouraged. Not because of a sense of jealousy or
political in-fighting, but instead because of the different methodologies
and procedures of each effort. A local Exodus International affiliate
might help to launch a new local H.A. chapter (or vice versa), but the
two organizations seem to operate better if they maintain autonomy
from each other.
How is success defined in each organization.
In both organizations, "success" is defined in terms of the progress that
individuals make in their walk with the Lord and in their submission to
His will. Each organization has witnessed men and women gain
freedom from homosexuality through repentance and faith in Jesus
Christ as Lord and Savior.
How have the organizations co-operated?
Local chapters and affiliates often:
10 July 1996 version. Not a home page. Do not link directly to this page.