Over the Rainbow: - Wrestling With Angels
Over the Rainbow: - Wrestling With Angels
Over the Rainbow: - Wrestling With Angels
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things.” He added, “<strong>the</strong> politically correct term now is reorientation <strong>the</strong>rapy. Reparative<br />
already implies something’s broken – of course <strong>the</strong> reparative <strong>the</strong>rapists believe this, but it kind<br />
of infuriates <strong>the</strong> gays to even call it reparative <strong>the</strong>rapy.” (Adamson, 2001; Leblanc, 2005).<br />
Christian leaders stepped forward to protect <strong>the</strong> rights of homosexuals who sought to<br />
change <strong>the</strong>ir sexual orientation. In 1973, Frank Wor<strong>the</strong>n ministered to homosexuals in <strong>the</strong> U.S.<br />
In 1976 he organized a conference of ex-gay ministers who formed a coalition called Exodus<br />
International, North America. The group became international in 1978 when a group formed in<br />
Australia, followed by an independent group, Exodus Europe, which formed in 1982 in <strong>the</strong><br />
Ne<strong>the</strong>rlands. In 2004 leaders from around <strong>the</strong> world joined to form Exodus Global Alliance<br />
(Exodus history, 2010). “Exodus is a nonprofit, interdenominational Christian organization<br />
promoting <strong>the</strong> message of Freedom from homosexuality through <strong>the</strong> power of Jesus<br />
Christ…Exodus is <strong>the</strong> largest Christian referral and information network dealing with<br />
homosexual issues in <strong>the</strong> world.” Each year, over 1000 members and interested persons come<br />
toge<strong>the</strong>r for instruction and celebration in a five-day event in cities throughout North America<br />
(Exodus, 2010).<br />
Love Won Out Conferences are organized by Focus on The Family to minister to those who<br />
struggle with unwanted same-sex attractions and to family and friends of those who are living<br />
homosexually. Since 1998, Love Won Out has traveled to more than 50 American cities to bring<br />
“<strong>the</strong> power of God’s love and His desire to transform <strong>the</strong> life of a struggling homosexual to find<br />
freedom in Jesus Christ.” Attendance is limited to adults, although participants ages 16-18 may<br />
attend if accompanied by a parent. Speakers include ex gay and lesbians, Christian counselors,<br />
ministers, and educators. Melissa Fryrear, an ex-lesbian and director of gender issues for Focus<br />
on <strong>the</strong> Family notes that many protestors often have attended <strong>the</strong> conferences carrying signs<br />
accusing Love Won Out with intolerance and bigotry. She says, “There is nothing intolerant<br />
about what we say” (Fryrear, 2009). An 18 year-old gay attendee commented, “While I strongly<br />
disagree with many points in your message, you presented <strong>the</strong>m in a loving way. I think it’s<br />
important that people look at all sides of this issue. ..This conference was informing” (Focus on <strong>the</strong><br />
Family, 2004).<br />
Concerns about Health Risks<br />
It was 1981. Dr. Jeffrey Satinover braced himself as he examined a gaunt young man whose<br />
arms and sides were covered with angry purple welts from a rare, ugly cancer, Kaposi’s<br />
Sarcoma. This once rare disease was now popping up around <strong>the</strong> country, especially in San<br />
Francisco and New York. This deadly, wasting disease was known <strong>the</strong>n simply as GRID, “gay-<br />
<strong>Over</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Rainbow</strong>: The Gay Battle for Social Reorganization of America. 2010<br />
Dr. M. L. Coppock<br />
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