 The 5 biggest myths about ex-gay ministry By Jack Volkers The Layman Online Tuesday, June 12, 2001 In his address at the Monday luncheon hosted by OneByOne, Robert Davies presented "The 5 Biggest Myths About Ex-Gay Ministries," along with his refutations of these myths and some understanding of why the myths may be proliferated. OneByOne is a ministry created by Presbyterian pastors and laypeople to address the needs of those in conflict with their sexuality. Davies is the director of Exodus, North America, affiliated with Exodus, International, which has been in ministry to those struggling with their own sexuality and/or sexual orientation for 25 years. Myth #1: Homosexual orientation can't be changed. Myth: Ex-gay ministries make fraudulent claims about their success in restoring homosexuals to a healthy heterosexuality. Such changes are a mere repression of continuing desires and attractions. Responding to this myth, Davies referred to the recent news phenomenon concerning a report that Dr. Robert Spitzer of Columbia University had reversed his previous stance that homosexual orientation was inborn and really could not be changed. Spitzer was one of the principals behind the 1973 position of the American Psychiatric Association classifying homosexuality as a valid alternate orientation instead of a condition to be treated. After recently interviewing more than 200 people claiming to have been changed from their homosexual orientation, Spitzer announced that he now believes a change of orientation is possible. Although this analysis has not been published in a refereed format, Davies believes this to be a real breakthrough toward the credibility of ministries to homosexuals. Davies said there are thousands of such cases where orientation has been changed: Studies have shown that more than half of men and nearly half of women who seek restoration have been able to grow into a healthy, happy, heterosexual life. Myth #2: Ex-gay ministries use exotic, coercive or strange methods. Myth: Shock treatment is used to "shock" the patient into a change of orientation. Patients are "forced" to change - and, especially, young people are "forced" to change. To this, Davies responds that Exodus uses such methods as prayer, accountability groups, Scripture, etc. He often hears, "But what else do you do?" in which the question is seeking a response that includes some unusual or exotic method. "Not much!" he answers. Davies declares that churches already have the answers, we just need to do what we always have done. Myth #3: Homosexuals seek help out of wrong motives. Myth: They respond to "guilt" put upon them by family, society or the church. They feel compelled or forced to want to change, even if they are comfortable as they are. Davies said people who come to Exodus are in conflict between their religious or moral beliefs and their sexuality. In such conflict, they have three choices:
It is those who make the third choice who seek out a ministry of change. In the last 25 years, a quarter-million people have sought the help of Exodus and similar ministries. Myth #4: Homosexuals are worse off after treatment. Myth: People repressing their natural orientation end up depressed or even suicidal. Up to one-third of teen suicides are caused by the guilt and depression of dealing with homosexual orientation. Studies have shown that a suicidal tendency comes from a lack of hope in achieving fulfillment in life. Exodus proclaims a message of hope and transformation that opens the patient to the real possibility of fulfillment in life. Davies said "real" transformation does occur - he himself has been restored from homosexuality for more than 19 years and he has personal knowledge of others who were transformed nearly 50 years ago. Myth #5: Ex-gay ministries have a hidden agenda. Myth: They are motivated, not by human concern, but by a quest for political power. They are hateful and bigoted toward those they claim to serve. Davies admits that, when one claims to be an ex-gay, there is an inherent political nature to such a statement. He asserts, however, that Exodus is not interested in politics in any way. It is the gay activist community that has put the issue in the political arena; politics is a hindrance to the ministry of Exodus. Addressing the claims of hate and bigotry, Davies said it "just isn't true." The way Exodus works is to share a witness of transformation with love, gentleness and compassion, he said, adding that God uses this witness to great effect. Jack Volkers, Ph.D,. is the pastor of Ridgedale Presbyterian Church in South Bend, Ind. OneByOne may be contacted at P.O. Box 648, Pittsford, N.Y. 14534. |
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