Christian group apologizes to gay community

Alan Chambers of Exodus International said in an interview Thursday that the church has "waged the culture war, and it's time to put the weapons down."

He said Exodus -- whose work infuriated many gay-rights activists -- will be closing. He and his allies will be forming a new ministry seeking to open a conversation among those who've been on opposite sides in the debate over gay rights.

He says they want "to see bridges built" and "want peace to be at the forefront of anything we do in the future."

Chambers also made an apology in a speech to his ministry's annual conference, saying, "We've hurt people."

Chambers is married to a woman but has spoken about his own sexual attraction to men.

Exodus International, based in Orlando, Fla., was founded 37 years ago and claimed 260 member ministries around the United States and internationally. For decades, it offered to help conflicted Christians rid themselves of unwanted homosexual inclinations through counseling and prayer.

Gay rights activists welcomed Chambers' apology, while reiterating their belief that Exodus had caused great damage. -- AP