7. The evolving faith factor People in evangelical/Pentecostal circles have a strongly biblically based faith. This type of theology has been at the core of the ex-gay movement and you'll often find it clearly stated on ex-gay websites. An Evangelical/Pentecostal faith is all very neat and tidy. It's black and white. There are no arguments. [...]
No.6 The listening factor If people are going to reach out to dialogue there has to be a willingness on the other part to engage. Of course their willingness to listen depends largely on the approach and the language used to reach out. No one is going to engage if they are attacked and the language consistently accusatory or [...]
5. The bridge building factor When I first wrote briefly in my newsletter about being at the Exodus Conference and the 37 year old organisation was closing a lovely person responded via email saying "Thank you.......etc etc". I laughed aloud. Oh dear, this person was under the allusion that somehow, singlehandedly, I had managed to [...]
4. The honesty factor Azariah Southworth, Christian TV host, like many, paid a high price for his honesty Yes, simple honesty contributed to this tipping point. The message for decades was "Change is Possible". The goal of people who sort out ex-gay organisations was always to rid themselves of homosexuality and become heterosexual/'normal'. Even though [...]
3. The internet factor The influence of the internet to gain information and connect people cannot be overestimated re the downfall of Exodus. When I resigned from the ministry and came out in 1992 internet usage was in its infancy and not the commonplace entity it is today. I am a little embarrassed to say [...]
2. The gulf factor Born in 1951, I grew up ina generation when racial slurs and sexist jokes and poking fun at people with disabilities were commonplace and accepted. No longer would anyone dare say something like "A woman's place in the home" Imagine the outcry, because we know these things are completely inappropriate in [...]
In Malcolm Gladwell bestselling book, "The Tipping Point", he describes several key factors that, put together, create the phenomena of a shift in consciousness and/or society. Exodus closing was not an insignificant event. It is/was a tipping point. For LGBT people, the Stonewall riots in 1969 were a tipping point. The major factor that created [...]
Part 5 "A Journey to Exodus - the last days" The next three days included a full program of speakers and workshops from 9am to 9pm. The theme "True Stories" seemed particularly appropriate as people continued to honestly share their journeys. No real victory stories, just people trying to make some sense out of their [...]
Part 4 The bombshell and the aftermath In an unprecedented move the opening address was being live-streamed. Alan was introduced. He mounted the stage to the applause of the audience. The enthusiasm in the applause could mean several things. Honouring, respecting or please give us hope. Or maybe a combination. It was genuine, they all [...]