Exodus International will host its 32nd annual Freedom Conference June 26 - July 1 – celebrating the truth that change is possible for people who are unhappy with their same-sex attraction. People from all over the world – including Japan, Ireland, Britain and Australia – will gather in Irvine, Calif., for the life-changing event.
Randy Thomas, executive vice president of Exodus International, said his organization has "a unique and relevant voice" in the discussion about homosexuality.
"Our conference is the one place where you will get to ask the questions that are on your mind," he said, "and there are plenty of people and resources there to help."
Alan Chambers, who left homosexuality when he was 18, will be a keynote speaker.
"Now, at 34, he's the president of Exodus – one of the youngest presidents of a national organization," Thomas said. "He's a phenomenal speaker."
Just a mile down the road, gay activists, co-sponsored by the University of California - Irvine, have scheduled a counter-conference at which some people will claim they were hurt by ex-gay organizations.
Thomas said the message of that counter-conference denies people hope.
"We live in a great country where people can have freedom of assembly," he said. Unfortunately, the organizers of the counter-conference will "try to project their experience onto all of us, when in fact thousands of people, myself included, have overcome homosexuality."
In addition to Chambers, attendees will hear from author and speaker Sheila Walsh, former NFL linebacker Dr. Ken Hutcherson, author Joe Dallas and Focus on the Family's Mike Haley.
"They can also expect workshops, special-interest groups geared toward men, women, youth, spouses, parents, pastors and leaders," Thomas said. "Pretty much the whole spectrum is covered with anybody who is impacted or affected by homosexuality."
David Fountain, conference director for Exodus, said the conference will reach out to young people who have heard a one-sided message.
"The message that they'll hear at the conference is that this is not who they are – they are not defined by their sexual struggle or even their sexual identity," Fountain said. "They're defined by Christ."
Nothing will be forced on anyone, he emphasized.
"It has to be their choice," Fountain said. "The great thing about this conference is that there are so many people that have 'been there, done that.' They can share their life stories and what God has done in their life and bringing about freedom."
Melissa Fryrear, director of the gender issues department at Focus on the Family, called the conference "a powerful event."
"Hundreds of men and women desiring to overcome their struggle with homosexuality will gather for a week of amazing worship, helpful teaching and inspiring testimonies," she said.
Fryrear, a former lesbian, will share that freedom from homosexuality is possible through the power of Jesus Christ.
"That is the message of Exodus," she said. "And that is what will be proclaimed at the conference next week in Irvine."
FOR MORE INFORMATION
You can learn more about the Exodus Freedom Conference – including a Tuesday night reception for pastors – on the Exodus Web site.
