In my next post that will come very soon I will give my opinion and thoughts, but for right now enjoy this. I wanted to give you both sides of the argument that was in article. I didn't want to be seen as bias and give you all the information as it appears.
Here are the facts from this website: http://www.pqmonthly.com/update-john-paulk-apologizes-for-ex-gay-gospel-wife-ann-says-shell-pray-for-him/14177
John Paulk Apologizes for Ex-Gay Gospel, Wife Ann Says She’ll Pray for Him
UPDATE: A response from The Evangelical Network now appears below the statements made by John and Ann Paulk.
By Erin Rook, PQ Monthly
John Paulk, a Portland caterer and former poster boy for the ex-gay movement, renounced his past in a recent interview with PQ Monthly (read the exclusive here). Today, Paulk issued a formal apology via a press release distributed by GLAAD.Paulk’s apology:
“For the better part of ten
years, I was an advocate and spokesman for what’s known as the “ex-gay
movement,” where we declared that sexual orientation could be changed
through a close-knit relationship with God, intensive therapy and strong
determination. At the time, I truly believed that it would happen. And
while many things in my life did change as a Christian, my sexual
orientation did not.
So in 2003, I left the public
ministry and gave up my role as a spokesman for the “ex-gay movement.” I
began a new journey. In the decade since, my beliefs have changed.
Today, I do not consider myself “ex-gay” and I no longer support or
promote the movement. Please allow me to be clear: I do not believe that
reparative therapy changes sexual orientation; in fact, it does great
harm to many people.
I know that countless people were harmed by things I said and did in the past, Parents,
families, and their loved ones were negatively impacted by the notion
of reparative therapy and the message of change. I am truly, truly sorry
for the pain I have caused.
From the bottom of my heart I
wish I could take back my words and actions that caused anger,
depression, guilt and hopelessness. In their place I want to extend
love, hope, tenderness, joy and the truth that gay people are loved by
God.
Today, I see LGBT people for
who they are–beloved, cherished children of God. I offer my most sincere
and heartfelt apology to men, women, and especially children and teens
who felt unlovable, unworthy, shamed or thrown away by God or the
church.
I want to offer my sincere
thanks to everyone who encouraged me to take this initial step of
transparency. Even while promoting “ex-gay” programs, there were those
who called me on my own words and actions. I’m sure I didn’t appreciate
it at the time, but they have helped me to realize this truth about who I
am.
This is a life transition
that has been and will continue to be, challenging. Sadly, my marriage
of 20 years is in the process of ending. I want to take the time to make
sure my next actions come from a place of truth and authenticity.
Therefore, I’m drastically limiting my public engagement until my own
personal life can be settled. After that I eagerly anticipate giving
back to the community.
Finally, I know there are
still accounts of my “ex-gay” testimony out there being publicized by
various groups, including two books that I wrote about my journey. I
don’t get any royalties from these publications, and haven’t since I
left the ministry nearly ten years ago. I discourage anyone from
purchasing and selling these books or promoting my “ex-gay” story
because they do not reflect who I am now or what I believe today.”
“Challenges have been mine
over the past several years… not of my own design, but I have stood true
in the profound strength I found in Christ Jesus. I have walked the
path that God has put before me, alongside those I love. There are also
certain paths I have refused to walk down, dark and dangerous paths of
deceit and sin.
Someone dear to me has made different choices followed
by very different words. And there, on that path, our ways part sadly.
Many of you already know, and
some have yet to know, that John and I are in the process of divorce. I
do pray the very best for John and I have a greater love and affection
than can be expressed in words. He is the father of my children, the man
with whom I spent the past 21 years building a life together. His
conclusions and mine are very different in key ways. I would ask that
you join me in praying for his decisions regarding his future, hope,
God’s truest freedom, and love to direct his decisions. Please also pray
for the boys and myself as we also find our way forward.
Besides the personal
statement above, I will be releasing a public statement as it becomes
relevant. This is all that I would like to share concerning my marriage
on Facebook… As I do media interviews, my focus is on getting the word
out about Restored Hope Network and what God can do in a surrendered
life.
Christ is still at work changing lives into conformity with God’s
will expressed in the Bible. I also realize that my life experiences
have given me an invaluable empathy for those who suffer various types
of grief and loss.”
“All questions regarding
John’s personal life and words should be directed to him. I have been
true to my marriage vows and true to Christ.
Though my heart has been
tremendously grieved by John’s words and moral choices, I have
chosen–and will continue to choose–to follow Christ, care for my boys,
and serve Restored Hope Network. Please pray for John as he makes
choices regarding his future.”
UPDATE: The Evangelical Network, “an association of LGBT&S affirming evangelical ministries and individuals,” today released the following response to Paulk’s statement:
The Evangelical Network on John Paulk, Ex-Gay Therapy
To admit that you have made a
mistake is difficult for most people. Acknowledging that you have hurt
people can be even harder. In such circumstances the repercussions often
include a high price, but this can also be necessary in truly
understanding God’s grace. John Paulk’s apology to the lesbian, gay,
bisexual, and transgender community for his involvement in Exodus and
ex-gay or reparative therapy programs is a big step in that direction.
Todd Ferrell, President, The
Evangelical Network explained, “In 2012 I engaged in an ongoing dialog
with John Paulk. It was obvious that he had been on a journey toward
self-acceptance as a Christian gay man. No doubt that has been a
difficult journey. Many of us have struggled with self-acceptance. I am
glad that he recognizes the hurt that he has caused people in the past
and is willing to publicly apologize for his past stance opposing
homosexuality, and diverse gender identities.”
Paulk’s apology will not
erase the pain suffered by many Christian LGBT people who believed the
false teachings which claimed through prayer, counseling, and group
therapy that their sexual orientation or gender identity would change.
This will take time. Ferrell concluded, “People who were impacted by
Paulk should be able to voice their frustrations, and release those
emotions.
It is important to remember however that we are all human. We
have all made mistakes. We should reflect that Jesus taught forgiveness.
Forgiveness is at the core of how we as Christians are to interact with
each other, including those who have hurt us. John, the road ahead will
no doubt be perhaps the roughest you have ever traveled. The
Evangelical Network will always be there to listen and not judge you as
you move forward.”
Since 1988 The Evangelical
Network has been a support organization for LGBT Christians and
especially those who come from an evangelical background. If someone is
struggling with reconciling their Christian faith with their sexual
orientation or gender identity please feel free to contact us. We believe there is no conflict with being Christian and LGBT.
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J-Bo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9zRS5ZO72AI
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