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only those who accepted that they were gay and found a partner were happy and successful. The teaching that gay people must get into a heterosexual relationship or remain celibate now seemed questionable to Marks. This was not only from an experiential viewpoint, but also from a theological change. In 2001, Jeremy Marks wrote in the journal
82:, "I have come to the conclusion that we have been quite wrong to dismiss all same sex love (other than platonic) as sinful"; the group's change of position was motivated by the belief that the Bible says man should not be alone and that a loving God would not deny gay people the opportunity to love.
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By 2000, Jeremy Marks and the leadership of
Courage UK recognised a change was needed. The expectation of the ex-gay teaching did not equal the results they saw. Gay participants trying to become straight through the organisation became severely depressed and attempted suicide; Marks observed that
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While recognising the social pressure to become 'normal' (i.e. heterosexual), fifteen years experience revealed that God's primary concern is not to change the sexual orientation of his gay and lesbian disciples, but to help them find wholeness in Christ - becoming secure, assured of his love and
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organisation that sought to change gay people to straight, but subsequently rejected the idea that sexual orientation could or should be changed and now exists as a pro-gay evangelical
Christian ministry.
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acceptance, set apart to follow Jesus faithfully and responsible in building relationships with one another.
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Courage UK was founded in
February 1988 by Jeremy Marks. The group used to be affiliated with the
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Marks' comments on the
Courage UK website clarify the group's change of course:
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The membership of
Courage UK in 2006 has been stated to be about 150 men.
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As a direct result of the New
Approach, Courage took a "sabbatical" from
134:"WorldWide Religious News-Crusade to cure gays was wrong, says founder"
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197:"Post Courage | Jeremy Marks - life after Courage"
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ministry for the gay and lesbian community, based in
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215:"Experience: I tried to 'cure' gay people"
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242:"United Church News: July-August 2003"
267:Courage – The Way Forward for Courage
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162:Western Region, July 26, 2004, at
65:movement and was once a member of
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90:A Change of Heart is the Priority
213:Marks, Jeremy (20 April 2012).
158:News posting on the website of
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322:LGBTQ Christian organizations
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80:Lesbian and Gay Christians
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129:WorldWide Religious News
16:Not to be confused with
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18:Courage International
282:Courage UK's website
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104:Evangelical Alliance
100:Exodus International
67:Exodus International
73:Shift in direction
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110:References
24:Courage UK
312:Guildford
32:Guildford
28:Christian
57:History
40:England
233:UCNews
63:ex-gay
47:ex-gay
36:Surrey
26:is a
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