Exodus International/via Wikipedia Commons

Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International, posted a statement on the group's website, apologizing to the gay and lesbian community for the "pain and hurt many of you have experienced."

In a recent interview with The Atlantic, Chambers apologized for his group’s actions:

"All I can do is to say I'm sorry and I'm trying to do better. I realize there will be people who won't forgive. I hope in time there will be resolution for people who don't feel resolution today. I pray that people will find peace. I realize there have been people who have been hurt on their journey, and all I can say is I'm sorry and pledge to do differently."

Chambers also apologized in a speech during his group's annual conference.

Gay rights groups like GLAAD, Truth Wins Out, and Human Rights Campaign have welcomed the apology by Chambers, but still note that groups like Exodus have caused great harm to people.

Chambers indicated that a new ministry would be formed, one that Exodus board members have said would be more inclusive and welcoming to the gay and lesbian community. A faction from the former ministry that opposed Chambers' apology has also created a new group that will continue to promote the "gay conversion" idea.

Support for gay conversion therapy has been on the decline throughout the United States. California became the first state in the country to formally ban gay conversion therapies for minors and New Jersey's legislature is due to vote on a similar bill next week. NJ Governor Christie has expressed support for the ban.

Exodus International was founded in 1976 and had 150 member churches as of 2012. Churches in the Exodus network can still operate after the group is shuttered, but cannot use the Exodus name.

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