Calculated Compassion (PublicEye.org)
The growing prominence of the ex-gay movement is the result of a strategic shift within the Christian Right: the new packaging of an old message. The claim that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people can be "cured" has more to do with the Right's political objectives and its bitter opposition to equal rights than with genuine caring. This report examines how the Christian Right has adopted the ex-gay movement in response to increasing pressure to soften its homophobic rhetoric.
We believe the public needs to see the truth behind the mask of compassion. The new softer face of the Christian Right merely hides the old, vicious homophobia. The ex-gay movement, like the Christian Right of which it is a part, is intolerant of anyone who does not conform to its ideals of family, marriage, moral values, and sexual orientation. It exploits and misuses the language of faith, presenting a face of Christian caring while simultaneously condemning gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people outright, and denying them their full humanity and equal rights. In attacking gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people, the ex-gay movement, like its parent, the Christian Right, promotes an agenda for all Americans that is profoundly anti-democratic and exclusionary. We stand in opposition.
From Queerty via MadPriest
Anti-Gay Bishop’s Unsavory Past Biting Back?
Predictably Creepy...
Another unholy scandal? Bishop John-David Schofield of San Jaoquin, California recently led his Anglican flock out of the US-based Episcopal church. Why? Because the Americans are too soft on the gays, so Schofield and his pious posse have aligned themselves with South American-based Anglican Church of the Southern Cone. Such a move isn’t that surprising - the Anglicans have been debating the gays for years. Schofield’s past, however, may have played a role in his queer repulsion:[Shofield] previously attributed his views on homosexuality to his experience of Fresno-based ex-gay group New Creation Ministries. Although he has been candid about his support for ex-gay ministry, Schofield denies claims that he is or ever has been homosexual. A 1995 newsletter from Voice of Integrity, a pro-gay Episcopalian group, said the Bishop “told members of his clergy that he was a “cured homosexual”.”Schofield denies making such a statement.
While we’d like to give him the benefit of the doubt, we can’t ignore this internet comment: "As I said, I will state my experience with David Schofield…in court. I know of one other young man (well not young now) who had an almost similar experience to mine. When he told me his experience, it was as if he knew part of what happened to me. David propositioned me on two separate occasions, once in Inverness and once in Paso Robles.…It would be interesting to track down all those young men (emphasis on young) [who] went on retreats in Inverness from about 1972-1980 and see how many of them had similar bed-time experiences. Anyone reading this have an experience they’d like to share?"
Update from Ex-Gay Watch: Even conservative Episcopalian commentator David Virtue said as recently as yesterday [12/21/2007] that the Bishop was a practicing homosexual: "What happens is this. When a homosexual or lesbian renounces the lifestyle they get accused of being “self-loathing” and “homophobic”, much like the Bishop of San Joaquin, John-David Schofield who renounced the lifestyle many years ago."SPLC's current Intelligence Report contains a good summary of recent developments in the so-called 'ex gay' movement and its cast of characters.
Straight Like Me
The Christian “ex-gay” movement, which claims to “cure” homosexuals, is booming across the country. At the same time, it has left a trail of shattered lives in its wake.
More information here.
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