Exodus International & Alliance Defense Fund Team Up For Day of Truth Event

Joining forces to reach more students

February 23, 2009

Orlando, FL- Two Christian organizations are teaming up to empower youth to express their views on sexuality by co-sponsoring this year's annual Day of Truth event held April 20 on high school campuses nationwide. Exodus International, a ministry that helps those affected by same-sex attraction to live a life that reflects their biblical beliefs and Alliance Defense Fund, a legal support organization, are co-sponsoring the event this year and are hoping for a record turnout that will continue ongoing dialogue on issues surrounding faith and sexuality.

Originally designed to give students an opportunity to openly voice their views regarding theGLSEN-driven Day of Silence event, the Alliance Defense Fund first launched the Day of Truth four years ago. The event has grown from a handful of students to over 13,000 participants in all 50 states. As the movement has grown, the vision has expanded beyond providing legal assistance to ensure student rights to providing practical resources to students wanting to help peers dealing with same-sex attraction. The relational aspect of this event has become the dominant focus and as such, Exodus International will assume leadership in the future.   

"Day of Truth students have the same constitutional right to express their viewpoint as any other student," said ADF senior legal counsel Mike Johnson.  "Unfortunately, despite using buzzwords like "tolerance" and "diversity," many schools have censored students who want to peacefully express a Christian viewpoint." 
 
"Allowing the communication of one viewpoint and censoring others is not only intolerant, but unconstitutional," said Johnson.  "ADF will defend Day of Truth students who have their free speech suppressed in public schools."


Exodus President Alan Chambers added, "The Day of Truth has advanced both student and cultural dialogue on an issue that is often controversial, but nonetheless critical to discuss. We hear from hundreds of young people who are confused by the heated rhetoric, tormented by a dead-end 'born-gay' message and are looking for something more. We hope this event will continue to grow so that more students can engage in compassionate dialogue that represents all views and encompasses the intrinsic dignity of all students."