The great divide

From an early age I have been both familiar with and fearful of the ex-gay Christian movement, AKA Exodus.  I can remember hearing vague references to the 'good work' they were doing, helping to turn wayward gay Christians back to Christ.  My personal journey out didn't start until later in college, but Exodus and other similar organizations pushed me away from organized religion--not necessarily due to philosophical disagreement, but more for survival's sake.  It took the intervention of wonderful individuals from other churches I attended, who, knowing my sexuality was likely not hetero-centric, embraced me and gave me an intellectual and historical re-education with regard to faith and Christianity.  When separated from all the excess baggage humanity piles onto it, organized religion can be a beautiful thing.

That brings me to the recent announcement from Exodus that it's closing its doors, after issuing a direct, and what would seem, heartfelt apology.  It's a bit shocking to me. Welcome, yes, but shocking. The awful power they exercised over the minds of an entire generation of gay youth drove a wedge between what could have been a lifeline for acceptance. 

The coming out process for anyone at any age is always unfolding.  You can be out with your friends, but not your family, or with your family but not your parent's friends... or not at dinner when the minister comes over... the list is complicated and endless.  I look forward to the day that I can have a rational dialogue with gay evangelicals about their scriptural understandings, or not, as long as they can be gay and safe in their religious belief system.  

My general Buddiscopalian understanding is a direct outgrowth of my struggle with this whole mess.