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TechnoratiThe global organization that promotes the message of "freedom from homosexuality through the power of Jesus Christ" launched a new ministry this week to specifically cater to women struggling with unwanted same-sex attraction.
Exodus International has seen more men than women seek help, causing concern among ministry leaders who feel women weren't getting the specific attention they needed. Approximately 60 percent of the people who have sought help at Exodus have been men and the rest, women.
Studies in recent years have shown that nationally, the prevalence of homosexuality is smaller among women than men.
"A concern that we've had for many years is that because more men come to us for help, women have had a tendency to get lost in the leftovers of our ministry," Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International, told The Christian Post. "We are launching this ministry because we want to offer intentional, specific help that meets the needs of women affected by unwanted homosexuality."
According to Chambers, women have a difficult time talking about their struggles or making themselves vulnerable when receiving help for their unwanted same-sex attractions. Although they tend to have a "much easier time" leaving the physical side of homosexuality than men do and often have more long-term success, women struggle with emotional entanglements, negative body images, ravages of sexual abuse, gender identity issues and feelings of inferiority and intimidation towards other women – all of which require a more specialized approach, Chambers said.
Chambers explained that Exodus has wanted to launch a women's ministry for years as more women have requested specific help, but the international organization did not have the resources or personnel to meet the need.
Now with both, Exodus has launched an initiative that is being led by Yvette Schneider, a former policy analyst for Family Research Council and a former lesbian. Schneider, who has been out of the lesbian lifestyle since 1992 after giving her life to Jesus Christ, has worked with several ministries to help women affected by lesbianism.
"The Christian church must be a place that powerfully conveys compassionate truth to hurting women," said Schneider in a statement. "My goal is to help more women find real hope and help as they journey towards wholeness in their femininity in Christ and to equip others to do the same."
In her new role, Schneider plans to communicate biblical, compassionate truth to women, provide practical help and resources for women dealing with gender confusion, speak at women's conferences and help other organizations better meet the needs of women affected by lesbianism.
While Exodus has been helping women for over 32 years, the newly launched women's ministry will serve in ways that better meet gender-specific needs.
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