Truth Wins Out reported earlier this week on Manifested Glory Ministries, a “church” in Connecticut that performs ex-gay exorcisms.
We immediately called upon Exodus’ member church in Connecticut, New Life Church in Meriden, to comment on the exorcism. The church did not respond. Today, however, MSNBC quotes Exodus International in Orlando stating that it does not support exorcism — but does not oppose exorcism, either.
And a fringe group called the “Christian Anti-Defamation Commission” has declared the abuse of gay youths and young adults by so-called churches to be an exercise in “religious liberty” and, strangely, a response to white racism. (Perhaps the demons of homosexuality are white?) Hat tip: Ex-Gay Watch.
Here’s MSNBC’s video report and related article:
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According to MSNBC, the exorcist church’s pastor, the “Rev.” Patricia McKinney, lied and said the boy was 18; actually, he was a minor, 16 years old. MSNBC does not question McKinney’s ministerial credentials or academic background: Her web site gives no indication that she has was ever ordained by a reputable religious institution.
Robin McHaelen, social worker and executive director for True Colors, commented:
“They have this kid in a full nelson,” she said. “That just seems abusive to me.”
McHaelen said the boy told her organization’s staff that the church performed the ritual three times at his request. She said the boy has been engaging in risky behavior that she blames on the church’s treatment.
MSNBC reports that Jeff Buchanan of Exodus International claims Exodus does not advocate the church’s approach. What Buchanan didn’t say, however, is that Exodus does not oppose the approach either. Neither the Exodus national office nor its local member church have taken any active steps to discourage further exorcisms.
MSNBC says the Rev. Roland Stringfellow (pictured at left) of Oakland, Calif., was subjected to ex-gay “demon casting” in the 1990s by a Baptist church: He was put in front of the church as members shouted “demon of homosexuality come out of him.”
Regarding that ex-gay experience, MSNBC quotes Stringfellow:
“It caused nothing but shame and embarrassment,” Stringfellow said.
Since its inception in 1976, Exodus International has refused to offer public ethical standards and restraints to discourage such abuse of youth, health, and religion.
Exodus also has refused to explicitly and officially condemn the counterfeit churches that engage in such practices.
McKinney tells MSNBC that she is being unjustly persecuted:
McKinney also has a weekly radio program. She talked on Wednesday’s program about being “persecuted” in recent days but did not mention the video specifically.
“It’s been a hard time for me, but I’m looking good and I’m standing strong because when you have a mandate like mine you’re not going to say what you want without the adversary coming after you,” she said. “If you are a true prophet you’re not going to be popular with the people.”
Like too many ex-gay activists, McKinney projects her own demonic intentions onto others. Since it seems that she can’t tolerate criticism from modern-day prophets, here’s some constructive advice for her:
Take a break from abusing troubled kids, Pattie, and exorcise that cable TV box instead.
And don’t demand removal of the exorcism video from YouTube: Be proud of the evil that you do.
