Exodus Ministry Applauds Anglican Head's 'Stand for the Truth'
Correction appended
One of the world's largest Christian referral ministries addressing homosexual issues and helping individuals "recover" from homosexuality have applauded the Archbishop of Canterbury who recently said homosexuals who come into the Church should change their behavior.
Lauding the Rt. Rev. Rowan Williams, one-time liberal advocate of same-sex relationships, Exodus International President Alan Chambers said "We applaud the archbishop's courageous stand for the truth."
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"The lack of biblical clarity on the issue of homosexuality is rampant in far too many congregations. Ours is a passionate call to the global church to extend the love and kindness of Jesus Christ, the hope of freedom for those who seek it and the steadfast truth of the Scriptures," he added.
Like many mainline denominations, the Episcopal Church, USA, remains divided over homosexuality in the church since the 2003 consecration of New Hampshire Bishop V. Gene Robinson – an active homosexual. Opposing homosexual ordination, more than 900 parishes now constitute the Anglican Communion Network and conservative leaders have appealed to Williams for an "alternative primatial oversight," or a new overseer of the Episcopal Church.
Meanwhile, the Russian Orthodox Church, which severed ties with the Episcopal Church, has offered to restore ties with the conservative Episcopal dioceses, which is a minority in the U.S. Anglican arm.
Episcopal and Anglican leaders scheduled a meeting this month to resolve the division and address the request for a new overseer by the conservative leaders. Bishop Frank T. Griswold had indicated that the denominational leaders had made clear that Williams "has no direct authority over the internal life of the Provinces that make up the Communion."
In an interview featured by the Dutch news agency Nederlands Dagblad, Williams stated, "Ethics is not a matter of a set of abstract rules, it is a matter of living the mind of Christ. That applies to sexual ethics.
"I don't believe inclusion is a value in itself. Welcome is. We don't say 'Come in and we ask no questions'. I do believe conversion means conversion of habits, behaviors, ideas, emotions."
Exodus International and traditionalists have pointed to Williams' change of position from defending same-sex love to backing a resolution which says homosexual practice is incompatible with the Bible.
His reversal has dismayed liberals who see him moving into "the conservative camp," as the Rev. Giles Goddard, chairman of the Inclusive Church, stated.
Exodus International, a resource and referral organization since 1976, has over 135 ministries across North America and is a network of former homosexuals who share the message of Jesus Christ.
Corrections: Tuesday, September 12, 2006:
An article on Saturday, September 2, 2006, which referred to statements made by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams on homosexuality and the Church incorrectly reported that Williams' interview was with The Sunday Telegraph and that he said homosexuals must change their behavior to be welcomed in the church. The interview was first featured by the Dutch news agency Nederlands Dagblad and later cited by The Telegraph. According to Nederlands Dagblad, Williams in the interview rebuked those who argue it is high time the Church accepted gay relationships and said homosexuals who come into the Church should change their behavior.
