Evergreen International, Inc.

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This article is about a non-profit organization. For the aviation company see Evergreen International Aviation

Evergreen International, Inc. is a non-profit organization located in Salt Lake City, Utah, whose stated mission is to assist "people who want to diminish same-sex attractions and overcome homosexual behavior." It adheres to Christian, and particularly Mormon teaching. The organization believes this task can be accomplished with the help of Jesus and, in some cases, psychological counseling. Evergreen was founded in 1989.

1 Evergreen's Philosophy
2 What Evergreen Does
3 Controversy
- 3.1 The Ex-gay Movement
- 3.2 Scientific Inconclusiveness
4 See also
5 External Links

[edit] Evergreen's Philosophy

Although functioning independently of any church, Evergreen is religiously based around the teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Though not affiliated with the church, the organization sustains the teachings of the Church without reservation. Evergreen has one or more emeritus general authority on its board of trustees, and teaches its principles to Latter-day Saints, and especially ecclesiastical leaders through working with the church as well as hosting "firesides" (informal gatherings of church members at night) and an annual conference.

Evergreen's literature portrays homosexuality (or, more precisely, same-sex attraction) as an attraction, tendency, or predisposition which gays and lesbians can resist, and which may eventually be "overcome"--which, theologically speaking, may not fully happen until the afterlife. They do not believe, however, that homosexuality itself is a sin, apart from sexual behavior or inappropriate forms of physical intimacy. In an attempt to separate human sexuality from human sexual behavior, they also eschew the terms gay and lesbian, preferring to refer to people by more clinical terms focusing on behavior and mental states, rather than identity. They support aspects of the ex-gay movement, but do not necessarily believe that all gays and lesbians can change their sexual orientation. However, they believe that anyone can live according to the Church's Law of Chastity, which requires that all persons who feel unable to marry heterosexually remain celibate. See also their mission statement.

[edit] What Evergreen Does

Evergreen itself does not offer therapy, either psycho- or reparative therapy, but does offer a large selection of therapeutic literature in their bookstore, while also maintaining contact with counseling agencies throughout the United States and the World.

According to its Web site, Evergreen focuses on three major priorities:

Referral information on support groups, therapists, and other organizations.
Resources, such as printed information and their Web site.
Education, such as conferences, seminars, and firesides.

[edit] Controversy

[edit] The Ex-gay Movement

Main article: Ex-gay

The claims by Evergreen and the larger ex-gay movement have been disputed by some psychological, psychiatric, and medical associations. Because of the differences of opinion between many scientific and religious views on what homosexuality is, and whether people should try to change it, establishing a dialogue between the two groups is difficult. The Christian ex-gay movement views homosexual attraction as maladaptive (despite potentially inherent predispositions) and homosexual behavior as a sin, while the scientific community does not, often attributing same-sex attraction to genetics.

Evergreen, and others in the ex-gay movement, do not advocate denial of homosexual attractions, but they believe that such feelings mask underlying issues that need resolution. Some claim to have happily married and reared children, putting behind their former gay identity and behaviors. Many say that their gay feelings were primarily rooted in abuse or neglect in early development. The process of healing from these issues takes time, but they no longer identify with gay-oriented behaviors or lifestyles. Critics say that those who claim to have changed are at best suppressing true gay feelings, or at worst living a double life.

[edit] Scientific Inconclusiveness

There are few scientific studies that have evaluated the success of ex-gay efforts or reorientation therapies, such as reparative therapy. Some believe that attempts to change one's sexuality are potentially harmful, sometimes leading to depression, anxiety, or suicide. Others, while they may continue to experience some level of romantic or sexual attractions to the same sex, claim to experience greater personal satisfaction and fulfillment, and less depression and shame, as they pursue non-erotic forms of same-sex intimacy and live a life congruent with individual values, beliefs, and life goals.

Despite the opposition of many mental health professionals and the limited documentation evidencing any lasting impact on sexual preference or behavior, the various movements for "former homosexuals" have played an important role in the political debate in recent years. Some leaders on both sides of the debate believe the dialogue is beginning to cultivate an increased public awareness of the issues.