Wheaton, IL- Amid the division currently taking place in multiple denominations over the issue of homosexuality, three ministries aimed at helping the global Christian church effectively address the topic of biblical sexuality announced a groundbreaking merger at a press conference today.
 
One by One, an outreach equipping the Presbyterian and Reformed faith communities to compassionately and effectively address biblical sexuality and Transforming Congregations, a likeminded ministry to The United Methodist Church announced plans to merge with Exodus International. Exodus is currently the world's largest Christian outreach to those dealing with same-sex attraction. The merger was announced at the site of its 34th annual Freedom conference where hundreds from around the nation and the world are gathered on the campus of Wheaton College to gain insight on matters surrounding faith and sexuality.

Together, these ministries will form a new division under the leadership of Exodus that will equip leaders within both evangelical and mainline churches worldwide to break the polarizing debate over homosexuality through an approach that is both biblically orthodox and truly compassionate. This merger will work to enhance current efforts to equip churches through the Exodus Church Association, an interdenominational network of more than 120 churches helping those dealing with same-sex attraction to live a life that reflects the Christian faith.

Speakers at the press conference included representatives of the three ministries as well as founding Board Member of Exodus International, now current Board Member of Transforming Congregations Ron Dennis and Bob Stith, the Southern Baptist Convention's National Strategist for Gender Issues.

"The compassionate truth of the Gospel is still the hope of the world today," said Alan Chambers, President of Exodus International and author of two books God's Grace & the Homosexual Next Door and the newly released Leaving Homosexuality. "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."