Subject: Overt Slams Exodus International
From: "Overt" <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 16 May 1999 18:40:44 +1200

Overt adjective open, unconcealed

E-mail: [email-masked] ~ Web-site: 
http://www2.crosswinds.net/~overt 

PO Box 12270, Thorndon, Wellington

Regan Andrew- Media Officer

Phone +64-4-3844869 ~ E-mail: [email-masked]

MEDIA STATEMENT

May 14, 1999

Overt Slams Exodus International

Overt condemns the actions and beliefs of the international organisation 
"Exodus". Exodus International is an inter-denominational Christian 
organisation whose primary aim is the eradication of the queer 
community. It is believed Exodus is reforming in New Zealand and Overt 
will be conducting a protest against this on the 19th of May. 

Overt opposes Exodus' view that homosexuality is inferior. The practises 
and beliefs of Exodus alienate the queer community through heterocentric 
rhetoric, and thus they must be opposed for the sake of all New 
Zealanders. The practises and beliefs of Exodus alienate the queer 
community through heterocentric rhetoric, and thus they must be opposed 
for the sake of all New Zealanders. 

Exodus claims to "cure" homosexuality. Overt sees this as both dangerous 
and denigrating to the queer community.  A homosexual orientation and 
lifestyle is as valid as any other. Behaviour modification has also been 
condemned by the wider medical community. Senior members of Exodus 
International New Zealand committed suicide due to such practises.  
Apparently it was these deaths which led to the downfall of Exodus in 
the past.

Exodus attempts to validate its claims by using an interpretation of 
'God's will' based on the Bible despite the fact that according to many 
Christians and scholars, homosexuality is not condemned in the Bible. 
'Practising' homosexuals can be Christians and are  included within the 
clergy and congregation of several denominations. Most Christian 
scholars now accept that certain scriptures which refer to homosexual 
behaviour in the Bible, were not translated correctly and do not refer 
to homosexuality at all.  Thus they can not be a true account of 'God's 
will'. Clearly, Exodus is a dangerous organisation with antiquated and 
prejudicial values based on homophobia - not Christianity or love as 
they would claim. 

Overt understands that there is a possibility Exodus will be trying to 
reform in New Zealand soon.  A former president of Exodus International, 
and "reformed" homosexual will be speaking at The Rock church, 7 Glover 
St, Ngauranga Gorge, Wellington from 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday the 19th of 
May. He will be discussing homosexuality. Overt fears that this seminar 
will be the beginning of a terrible campaign to reform Exodus in New 
Zealand.  In response Overt will be conducting a candlelight vigil at 
the church to remember those who have died as a result of the 
organisation and to protest any attempt to reform the group. Overt 
invites any other concerned citizens to join our vigil in the hope that 
at least some people may be saved.

ENDS

Contact Regan Andrew: <[email-masked]> or phone 04 3844869