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{PDF EPUB} a Christian Lesbian Journey a Continuation of Long Road to Love by Darlene Bogle Rising up Whole

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{PDF EPUB} a Christian Lesbian Journey a Continuation of Long Road to Love by Darlene Bogle Rising up Whole Read Ebook {PDF EPUB} A Christian Lesbian Journey A Continuation of Long Road to Love by Darlene Bogle Rising Up Whole. I've risen up and out of the ex-gay movement and have shaken off one lie at a time while embracing my innate wholeness and truth. Wednesday, June 27, 2007. Apology Accepted. As former leaders of ex-gay ministries, we apologize to those individuals and families who believed our message that there is something inherently wrong with being gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Some who heard our message were compelled to try to change an integral part of themselves, bringing harm to themselves and their families. Although we acted in good faith, we have since witnessed the isolation, shame, fear, and loss of faith that this message creates. We apologize for our part in the message of broken truth we spoke on behalf of Exodus and other organizations. We call on other former ex-gay leaders to join the healing and reconciliation process by adding their names to this apology. We encourage current leaders of ex-gay programs to have the courage to evaluate the fruit of their programs. We ask them to consider the long- term effects of their ministry. — Darlene Bogle — Michael Bussee — Jeremy Marks. Today I witnessed and accepted this unprecedented apology from three former ex-gay leaders. Darlene Bogle was the founder and director of Paraklete Ministries, an Exodus referral in Hayward California. She was also the assisting pastor of the Foursquare church where the ministry was based. As an Exodus leader, she traveled the country, speaking and appearing on many national television shows. Michael Bussee was one of the originators of the ex-gay movement. In the mid-1970s, he co-founded the Ex-gay Intervention Team (EXIT) and later hosted an unprecedented conference of ex-gay ministries at which a handful of ministry leaders, along with approximately 60 delegates, voted to form a loose coalition called EXODUS. Jeremy Marks is a British evangelical Christian who founded an ex-gay ministry called Courage UK in 1988. He eventually became the President of Exodus International Europe and served on the board of Exodus International. All three of them are now living out and proud, and all have concluded that while they always had the best interests of those who struggled with unwanted homosexuality at heart, they have never personally witnessed anyone change their orientation. Jeremy Marks took steps to transform his change ministry into one of support and love for GLBT Christians. Today they made history by gathering in Los Angeles at the GLBT center for a press conference where they issued the above statement after telling their stories. It’s the first time that former leaders have publicly come together to apologize for their part in the ex-gay movement. Peterson, Eric, Dan Gonzales and I received and accepted the apology on behalf of former ex-gays who feel that their ex-gay experiences caused more harm then good. As we stood next to the former leaders, we witnessed them each sign the apology. They turned and presented it to our group, and we accepted the letter. What I didn’t count on was the emotion I felt when I reached out to accept the letter. Sometimes these kind of symbolic gestures can feel staged, but it made an emotional impact on me and I felt myself tearing up as we shook hands and hugged Darlene, Michael and Jeremy. It was moving and healing to hear an apology for the harm and damaging messages that I received. I hope the healing will continue as other former ex-gays read this apology. My hope is also that other former ex-gay leaders will start to step forward as well. Thank you, Darlene, Michael, and Jeremy. Sign Up for The Ex-Gay Survivor’s Conference. Time is running short to register for The Ex-Gay Survivor’s Conference to be held June 29-July 1, 2007, in Irvine, California. Why hold a conference of former ex-gays? As the conference web site states: Creating a communal space for ex-gay survivors to tell their stories allows us to share what led us into an ex-gay lifestyle and ways we have been able to recover from it. Workshop facilitators and speakers include: Christine Bakke, ex-gay survivor and co-founder of Beyond Ex-Gay Darlene Bogle, former Exodus leader and author of A Christian Lesbian Journey: A Continuation of Long Road to Love Jim Burroway, founder of Box Turtle Bulletin Jason Cianciotto, research director for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Musicians Jason & deMarco Rev. Phil Lawson, United Methodist minister and veteran of the 1960’s civil rights movement Jeff Lutes, MS, LPC, executive director of Soulforce and licensed psychotherapist , Ph.D., ex-gay survivor, Doctor of Education in Sexology and musician who focuses on healthy sexuality and recovery from ex-gay experiences , ex-gay survivor and performance artist Rev. Nancy Wilson, moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches. Building Healthy Relationships after an Ex-Gay Experience Telling Our Stories Creatively: Writing, Blogging, Video, etc. What the Bible Says & Doesn’t Say About Homosexuality Courting Justice: Ex-Gays and the Law Mental Health Professionals Round Table: Best Practices from the Ex- gay Survivor’s Conference Impacting the Media: Successful Strategies for Sharing Your Story with Confidence. There will be a film forum hosted by directors, including: (Luane Beck & Kim Clark) (Lisa Darden) (Morgan Jon Fox) (Tom Murray) Me and God (Esteban Rael) I will be attending the conference as an audience member and supporter. I am eager to meet many former ex-gays, their families and friends, and the readers of XGW. We can look forward to a weekend of personal journeys of struggle and personal and spiritual renewal. For more information and to register, visit Beyond Ex-Gay. Addendum: Related Media Coverage. Ex-gay or just exploited? By Marla Jo Fisher, Orange County Register, June 17, 2007. Mike Airhart was the founding editor of Ex-Gay Watch, until he left in 2007. He has returned as a contributing writer. He has written periodically for Truth Wins Out, and volunteered for Men Can Stop Rape, Whitman-Walker Clinic, WaterFire Providence, and the Providence Equality Action Committee. His background includes expertise in journalism, business news, content syndication, human rights, sexual harassment issues, and liberation theology. Musings from Darlene. I've been thinking a lot in recent weeks of how I want to be remembered when I am no longer physically upon this earth. No, I don't plan on catching that train anytime soon, but someday it will be my turn ! I have long since abandoned my own obituary: Here lies a poet, Who couldn't spell. She got saved, escaping hell She lived, and loved, And had a ball; What killed her was trying to write it all! Having written several obituaries for others has given me the opportunity to consider not only what will be said about me, but who will remember what was said, and more importantly, how did I impact the lives of others? Was it as I intended. (not always the same thing as reality) And what of my self imposed tasks to accomplish? I am working on two books that are very important to complete and get published. God has gifted me with writing skills, and an awesome editor who journies with me through these projects. I feel an urgency to complete them. I have several trips in my future, to spend time with Becky and enjoy the USA, I might even have another book or two simmering in my heart. Those are all things that I DO. I'm learning to be a human being, not a human doing. I had lunch with a very special niece today and we talked for hours. She lost a sister through a tragedy 3 years ago. I asked how she was handling it, this far out! She said she was still angry. (This was a drug situation) She doesn't talk much because she has trust issues. She asked how I was dealing with my sisters recent death. I explained, for me talking to trusted and "safe" people, really helps. Thank You to my Church resources and friends. My niece has plenty of reason NOT to trust people, but I won't tell her story. This is mine. She said "Aunt Darlene, God has blessed you and given you a heart of compassion for others. You can be relied on to do what you say you will. You are kind and affect lots of lives. You stand up when you need too, and pray for everyone. That's how people will remember you" Wow. It's not my sermons. not my books. none of that is more important than love, and love makes a difference. My bucket list? To be a lover. When I was sixteen, I wrote a poem which I will share here. Yes. I still remember it. WHAT DO I WANT OUT OF LIFE, SAID I? I MUST DECIDE BEFORE I DIE. DO I WANT MONEY? FAME? TO BE WIDELY KNOWN OR TO BE REMEMBERED FOR THE LOVE I HAVE SHOWN? I WANT ONLY A FEW TO REMEMBER MY NAME, I DON'T WANT WEALTH, FORTUNE OR FAME I WANT TO BRING HAPPINESS TO SOMEONE EACH DAY MAYBE BY A SMILE, OR IN SOME OTHER WAY I WANT OUT OF LIFE, JUST WHAT I PUT IN; I DON'T WANT REWARDS GIVEN BY MEN MY REWARD IS THE FEELING INSIDE MY HEART; TO MAKE OTHERS HAPPY, IS JUST DOING MY PART IT WAS PUBLISHED IN THE NATIONAL POETRY BOOK FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS.
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