John Smid Resigns from Love in Action Ex-Gay Program
I am running to do a show and just got a voice mail from a former Love in Action staff member who said, "I'm sure you heard the news, but if not, you may be interested to know that John Smid resigned from Love in Action."John Smid served as the Executive director and CEO of Love in Action in Memphis, TN.
When I know more, I'll let you know or post what you know in comments.
UPDATE: I found out that in one of Love in Action's last mailings to supporters, they made the announcement that John Smid planned to retire and move onto other things but did not specify what these things might be. I truly hope John gets out of the ex-gay work. He's done it for over 14 years, and I have always had the sense that he has wanted to be a proper minister in a church with a congregation and all. We'll see what he does next.
The challenge when someone is an ex-gay leader (or even an ex-gay critic) for awhile is trying to determine what to do next. It is such an alternate universe in many ways and lots of perks hold people in it for longer than they want. Even though an ex-gay ministry does not provide a lot of money, it gives some leaders national exposure, chances to speak in churches in front of large congregations, and opportunities to make important decisions that affect all sorts of lives. I can imagine that many things after that can feel like a step down.
John Smid is slated to speak at the next Love Won Out in San Jose on April 12.
Labels: ex-gay, Love in Action
posted by Peterson Toscano @ 7:11 PM
2 Comments:
holy...h..h...h...huh?
I so was not expecting that update.
Well, it provided John with a good enough living to get all those hair plugs. He was bald back when Love in Action psychologically raped me for 8 months. Not that I'm bitter. Like you, I hope he gets out of the ex-gay business. I don't think he's an evil guy - but the damage that ministry has done to people is horrifying.
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