One-By-One merges with Exodus
International and Methodist organization
The Layman, September 25, 2009
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One by One, a renewal organization in the Presbyterian Church (USA) and Transforming Congregations, a ministry of the United Methodist Church have merged with Exodus International, the largest Christian organization that ministers to people dealing with same-sex attraction.
Through the Exodus Church Association, (ECA) an interdenominational network of more than 120 churches, the merged organizations will also help churches present Biblical-based and compassionate arguments in the debate over homosexuality within the Christian faith.
At the press conference announcing the merger, Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International, said “The compassionate truth of the Gospel is still the hope of the world today. … Together, we hope to advance a new era in the global Christian church that is defined by God’s truth as well as His heart for hurting individuals experiencing confusion and conflict about their sexuality.”
According to Kristin Tremba, executive director of One By One, the organization’s board of directors has transitioned into an advisory committee. One-By-One will continue to have a presence at PCUSA General Assemblies, and will continue to minister to PCUSA churches through the ECA.
Tremba said that when she was struggling with same-sex attraction, “I did not find help in the church or on my Christian college campus. … I heard no testimonies of healing or changed lives in church or in college chapel.”
The One-by-One Web site includes testimonies from Christians who have struggled with sexual sin, including homosexuality, sexual addiction, pornography and testimonies of their family.The mission of One-by-One is to “educate and equip the church to minister the transforming grace and power of Jesus Christ to those in conflict with their sexuality,” by serving as a resource for educational material and helping to create local ministries to help those struggling with sexual brokenness.