The Presbyterian”ex-gay” ministry OneByOne announced today that it officially broke off its merger with Exodus International. In a convoluted e-mail, OneByOne gave a garbled, lame excuse for the divorce:
As you may know in August of 2009 the ministries of Exodus International and OneByOne merged. We were excited to contribute to Exodus’ global outreach to those affected by same-sex attraction. Prior to the merger our Executive Director, Kristin Johnson, married Michael Tremba. Just months after the merger, Kristin and Mike found out she was pregnant. PTL! Faith Tremba was born early last year. As time passed, Kristin felt led to resign her position with Exodus as the national director of OneByOne.
She accepted the part-time directorship of Exchange Ministries, an Orlando based organization that helps individuals and families affected by homosexuality. This position has allowed Kristin to stay at home rather than traveling nationally, which was becoming increasingly more difficult as a mother. Because of this leadership change and after much prayer and discussion, earlier this year Exodus and OneByOne began negotiating the dissolution of our merger while committing to continue our ministries in close partnership and friendship. We appreciate so much the work Exodus does in communicating the transforming message of the Gospel.
Huh? A pregnancy is not an excuse to break off from Exodus, particualrly because OneByOne will continue to offer so-called “ex-gay” speakers. The truth is, Exodus is having trouble. Long-time Vice President Randy Thomas recently left the organization. John Smid, former leader of flagship ministry Love in Action, made the stunning admission yesterday that, “I’ve never met a man who experienced a change from homosexual to heterosexual.”
I don’t know if the wheels are coming off the car of Exodus International. But, it does appear that the vacuous vehicle is due for at least a car wash and tune up.
