Paul Martin
Principal Psychologist - Centre for Human Potential
Former Exodus Leader – Melbourne
I
was the Co-leader of the Melbourne Chapter of Exodus International
(based at Blackburn Baptist Church) for approximately 2 years. My role
included speaking at national conferences for church groups,
facilitating group meetings, supporting individuals in their struggles
and being “counseled” by the founder of that chapter Roger Marks.
During this time, there was not one person that I met or worked with
who, in any genuine way achieved the fundamental transformation from
homosexual to heterosexual they so desperately desired. The stress of
attempting to change their sexual orientation however increased risk of
suicidality, and absolutely led to erosion of self-esteem and increased
levels of depression and self-deprecation at a very deep level.
There is little current evidence that sexual orientation can be altered.
Some research that has made this suggestion has largely seemed to be
fundamentally flawed. As a psychologist, I would encourage anyone who is
struggling with this issue to look at the objective evidence rather
than the heavily biased rhetoric coming out of fundamental Churches.
Read statements of others who worked with people with ' unwanted same sex attraction ' here
Labels: apology, exodus, former ex-gay leader, LGBT apology, unwanted same sex attraction