Ex-Gay Declaration of Independence
The undersigned organizations provide counseling and support services to people with unwanted same-sex attraction (“SSA”). We are helping thousands of men and women who have decided they are happier and more fulfilled without SSA or the homosexual identity. Together, we comprise PATH -- Positive Alternatives to Homosexuality at www.pathinfo.org
PATH CORE PRINCIPLES
CHOICE: Many people who experience same-sex attractions choose not to act on those feelings and instead work to affirm and actuate their heterosexuality. We exist to help those people.
AWARENESS: We do not seek to impose our viewpoint on anyone, but we work to spread awareness of positive and life-affirming alternatives to same-sex attraction, homosexual identity and homosexual lifestyles.
SELF-DETERMINATION: Clients of counselors, therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists have the right to determine the course and direction of treatment or counseling they receive relative to SSA and should be made aware of heterosexual-affirmative alternatives. Professional organizations should enhance rather than inhibit the client’s right of self-determination.
TOLERANCE: Individuals who are pursuing heterosexual-affirmative counseling, and those who have transitioned out of the homosexual identity and lifestyle, deserve tolerance and acceptance. Their choices should not subject them to discrimination, ridicule, or marginalization.
POLICY NEUTRALITY: All branches of government should avoid actions or decisions that would inhibit free speech about, or the practice of, heterosexual-affirmative alternatives. Of particular concern are laws regarding hate crimes and sexual orientation that may be construed to make it illegal to promote or even speak about alternatives to homosexuality.
ACCESS TO PUBLIC FORUMS: We claim equal access to public forums to state our viewpoint and to spread awareness of alternatives to same-sex attraction and the homosexual identity and lifestyle. This is particularly vital in cases where public schools address the issue of sexual orientation.
SIGNATORY ORGANIZATIONS:
(listed alphabetically)
EVERGREEN INTERNATIONAL is an educational, information, and resource organization for individuals who wish to overcome homosexual behaviors and diminish unwanted same-sex attractions. Evergreen helps family members, friends, professional counselors, religious leaders, and all others involved with assisting individuals who desire to change. Evergreen sustains the doctrines and standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and welcomes all people who wish to participate in the pursuit of these goals.
David Pruden, Executive Director
Evergreen International
307 West 200 South, Suite 3004
Salt Lake City, Utah 84101
800-391-1000 Toll free
801-363-3837
www.evergreeninternational.org
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR RESEARCH & THERAPY OF HOMOSEXUALITY (NARTH) respects and understands that all individuals have the right to choose their own destiny. NARTH offers hope to those who struggle with same-sex attraction. We disseminate educational material, conduct research, and offer a nationwide referral network. Our goal is to provide accurate information and therapeutic referrals to dissatisfied homosexual individuals, to educate the public, and to promote family reconciliation.
Joseph Nicolosi, Ph.D., President
16633 Ventura Blvd., Suite 1340
Encino, CA 91436-1801
818-789-4440
www.narth.com
EXODUS is the world’s largest outreach to those affected by unwanted homosexuality, with over 175 ministries in 17 countries. Through our international coalition of Christian ministries, Exodus is proclaiming, educating and impacting the world with the truth that freedom from homosexuality is possible. Exodus offers a referral service to hundreds of well-equipped Christian therapists, support groups and supportive churches. Additionally, we host the largest annual conference on the topic of overcoming homosexuality.
Alan Chambers, Executive Director
Randy Thomas, Media Relations
888-264-0877
407-599-0011 Fax
PO Box 540119
Orlando, FL 32854
www.exodus-international.org
www.exodusyouth.net - youth
THE INTERNATIONAL HEALING FOUNDATION (IHF) is a therapeutic organization established to educate and counsel men, women and adolescents about the causes and healing of homosexuality. IHF sponsors Healing Seminars, Teleconferencing Classes, Speaking Engagements and Resource Materials. The foundation has trained thousands of therapists, clergy and individuals over the past fourteen years. Founder and Director Richard Cohen is a psychotherapist, former homosexual and author of the book, COMING OUT STRAIGHT. He resides in the Washington, DC metro area with his wife and three children.
Richard Cohen, MA, Director
301-805-6111
www.comingoutstraight.com
JEWS OFFERING NEW ALTERNATIVES TO HOMOSEXUALITY (JONAH), an international non-profit organization headquartered in New Jersey, educates the world-wide Jewish community about the prevention, intervention, and healing of the underlying issues causing same-sex attraction. The organization works with Jewish men and women feeling unwanted same-sex attractions through a variety of psycho-educational methods, including live support group meetings, E-mail list-serv groups, networking, therapy referrals, experiential weekend programs. JONAH also works directly with parents, relatives, and friends of those with SSA.
Elaine Silodor-Berk & Arthur A. Goldberg, Co-Directors
201-433-3444 Message Center
www.jonahweb.org
ONEBYONE is a ministry created in 1995 by Presbyterian pastors and lay leaders throughout the United States to educate and equip the church to effectively minister to those who are in conflict with their sexuality. We provide a speaker's bureau, referrals, books, articles and other resources.
Don Corne, Assistant Director
PO Box 648
Pittsford NY 14534
(804) 874-0092
www.oneby1.org
PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF EX-GAYS AND GAYS (PFOX) is a national organization that supports families touched by homosexuality, advocates for the ex-gay community, and educates the public on sexual orientation. PFOX has local groups across the country.
Regina Griggs, Executive Director
P O Box 510
Reedville, VA 22539
804-453-4737
www.pfox.org
POWERFUL CHANGE MINISTRY GROUP (PC) is a national fellowship of 11 Christian African-American led ministries whose goal is to advocate change for same-sex strugglers among people of color. PC believes that the choice to change is a fundamental message of the Bible. PC members work diligently to raise awareness in the Black community on the need for holistic ministry to affected individuals as well as their families. In addition, PC members maintain websites, email correspondence, traveling awareness seminars, and networking and training programs to accomplish goals.
DL Foster, National Coordinator
404-362-0505
404-326-1414
www.witnessfortheworld.org/ministries.html