Gay-rights advocates protest Exodus ministry gathering  Social
Issues Laura Yuen · ·   1. Listen Gay-rights advocates protest
Exodus gathering  Alan Chambers, president of Exodus
International  Hundreds of conservative Christians are attending
a national conference in the Twin Cities to discuss how to
reconcile their faith with same-sex attraction.  Exodus
International is one of the largest ministries to address the
subject of homosexuality. Its followers maintain that same-sex
relationships are sinful, but that people can manage their
temptations. The group has softened its approach to counseling
gays and lesbians and has urged evangelical churches to show
more compassion.  But as the question of same-sex marriage heats
up in Minnesota, gay-rights advocates are protesting the
gathering at Northwestern College in Roseville, Minn. They say
the ministry's underlying message is hurtful.  Exodus
International President Alan Chambers is many things, but he
bristles at one term.  "I hate the term 'ex-gay.' I would