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Courageous Souls

At a pub last night in Guildford, I asked Jeremy Marks and his wife Bren how they were able to make the giant move from an "ex-gay" group to a gay-affirming ministry. Marks, who had been by Love in Action's Leadership Program, responded, "We didn't have that much to lose."

Actually he did. As a member of the Exodus Board, he was immediately shut out of the international "ex-gay" group. Branded as a heretic, he had to go it alone. He writes some about the history of Courage, the organization he runs with Bren.

What is so impressive is that Jeremy and Bren thought outside the box. Many evangelical conservative Christians live in fear of believing a "new truth" that will undermine their faith. As John Stott teaches, they "check their brains at the door" of the church in order to submit to the teachings of their pastors.

Another amazing British evangelical who went from "ex-gay" to gay is Roy Clements perhaps one of England's greatest living preachers.(Hat tip to Kennan) He, like Bren and Jeremy, decided that the search for truth will reveal that God does not condemn same-gender love.

Roy Clements interviews Jeremy Marks. Hear the story in Jeremy's own words. My favorite question to Marks: In 15 years, how many homosexuals have you changed?

Comments

Contemplative Activist said…
I remember when Roy Clements came out. I heard him preach a few months previously when I was going through my own phase of wondering what to think about all the sexuality/faith business. My friend, a gay Christian, who struggled to reconcile her faith and sexuality had been given one of his books by someone in her very conservative Grace Baptist church.

He came out, complete with all the terrible controversy that ensued, while she was reading his book...talk about irony.

Roy Clements's story is really something to listen to. I really admire his honesty.
10:23 AM
Anonymous said…
It's a shame there are no transcripts to those interviews--I don't have sound on my computer right now.

Peace
Clint
1:06 AM
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