Exodus Should Immediately Shut Down Scandalized ‘Ex-Gay’ Group Desert Stream, Says TWO
Truth Wins Out today called on Exodus International to shut down Desert Stream Ministries (DSM) following new revelations of sexual abuse with at least one minor. The admissions were made last week on the blog of DSM’ leader, Andy Comiskey (pictured), who is also the creator of the ex-gay program Living Waters.
“Exodus should swiftly move to shutter Desert Stream Ministries to protect young people from the sordid and tawdry atmosphere revealed by Andy Comiskey,” said Truth Wins Out’ Executive Director Wayne Besen. “Exodus has a history of turning the other cheek when confronted with inappropriate behavior in its affiliates.”
On March 8, Comiskey wrote a blog post entitled “Falling Mercies” where he says DSM had been, “cast out of our home church”, Vineyard Anaheim, as a result of “a darker strain of sin in our own ranks.” He goes onto reveal that this sin was, “a longstanding staff person from Desert Stream had sexually abused at least one teenager who had sought help from us.”
Comiskey alleges that he was a victim of seven-figure blackmail from the relative of one of the abused boys. This led to, “a scourging of our entire ministry through police interrogations, the naked bulb of insurance agents and their lawyers, and Vineyard elders who for good reason wanted to know what was really going on in Desert Stream Ministries.”
As a result of the investigation, Comiskey says DSM was “torn in two” and that “we the righteous became the scum of the earth–not only the defender of victims, but the predators.”
In his post, Comiskey seemed to care little for those harmed by DSM and tried to come across as a victim saying, “News of our tragedy, now official on police and court records, attracted our accusers like vultures: “Do they change homosexuals or create them?’”
Comiskey claims that, “At the end of 3 years, the case was settled. Our insurance covered most of the costs.” He rightfully thanks the media for not covering the story and allowing his ministry to continue. “Not one story was printed about the tragedy,” writes Comiskey. “God spared us. His mercy leveled and sustained DSM.”
“Comiskey is mocking the mainstream media for not serving as the public’ trusted watchdog,” said Besen. “I hope news outlets understand that inaction has allowed this ministry to continue its operations. Given these revelations, it would be an optimum time for the media to investigate this story.”
For reasons possibly related to this scandal, Comiskey moved Desert Stream from Anaheim to Kansas City, Mo., several years ago, where it currently remains in operation.
This is not the first time Desert Stream has been in trouble. In 1998, The Los Angeles Times reported that one family sued Desert Stream alleging that a minister had sexually abused a teenager while the youth was undergoing therapy to turn him heterosexual. Besen’ book, “Anything But Straight”, discusses a newsletter that says:
“At the end of 2000, we faced an unusual number of Desert Stream-related leaders who fell into sexual sin, or who at least demonstrated a colossal lack of wisdom in their social choices…several were placed on different plans of discipline and restoration.”
In February 2008, Truth Wins Out produced a video featuring “ex-gay’ survivor Jaylen Braiden, who claims an Exodus team leader at Desert Stream took him advantage of him.
Comiskey is one of the most influential ex-gay activists and groups use his curriculum, “Living Waters”, across the globe. Comiskey is the author of “” and calls homosexuality “spiritual disfigurement.” His book also indulges in “spiritual warfare”, calling homosexuality satanic.
“Satan delights in homosexual perversion because it not only exists outside of marriage, but it also defiles God’ very image reflected as male and female….Another related source of demonization is the homosexual relationship itself….that attachment and communion are indeed inspired, but the source is demonic.”
So far, Exodus has failed to comment on Desert Stream’ troubles, nor has it moved to either suspend or close down DSM. After stonewalling for more than six months, Exodus finally cut ties with Lansing-based Corduroy Stone last after charges of impropriety were made last year by Patrick McAlvey in a Truth Wins Out video.
“It sends the wrong message when Exodus remains silent on issues of such gravity,” said TWO’ Besen. “We urge Exodus to investigate and take proper action against one of its key ministries so more people are not harmed in the future. We also can’t fathom how Comiskey has kept his job in light of this scandal. It is truly mind boggling.”
Truth Wins Out is a non-profit organization that defends the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community against anti-gay misinformation campaigns, counters the so-called “ex-gay” industry and educates about the lives of LGBT people. Our goal is to help individuals be true to themselves and lead genuine lives of honesty and integrity.
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Exodus and Desert Stream are not affiliated, to my knowledge. They never have been in the past. This could be something new. They’ve always been two very separate organizations. Did something change?
Sorry, Wayne, but the language used by Comiskey in the utterances of his that you have quoted lead me to suspect – only suspect, mind you – that he’s not, as we still say in England, “a complete shilling”.
This is a different Christine than the comment above.
Comiskey is a former President of Exodus International and he spoke at the 2008 Exodus Freedom Conference (where he discusses some about the sexual abuse scandal in his ministry).
Exodus Bookstore sells his books and many ex-gay ministries use his Living Waters program.
Desert Stream is also listed as an affiliate on Exodus’s home page listings for Missouri here: http://www.exodusinternational.org/content/view/412/178/State/mo
I’d say that’s affiliated.
So being gay is “demonic?” Yet, sexual abuse and covering up sexual abuse is not? Are these what “ex-gay” groups consider “family values?” God does not like being mocked. Groups which claim to turn gays into heterosexuals (or “ex-gays” depending on the convenient claim of the moment) are perverting God’s Word and they will reap the consequences. Homophobia is a sin and creating an industry based on this sin will not work ultimately, because God will not allow it.
Desert Stream Ministries/Living Waters and Exodus may be affiliated, but how does Exodus have the power to shut Desert Stream down? Desert Stream/Living Waters is a whole separate ministry apart from Exodus (although they cross promote, “minister” together, tell the same lies, cause the same harm, etc).
Sure, Exodus could raise a ruckus, remove Desert Stream/Living Waters from ministries they affiliate with and dare I say… even call Desert Stream and Andy Comisky on all of the b******t (not likely to happen), but shut Desert Steam/Living Waters down probably not so much. The Catholic church and its molesting priests are “affiliated” with Christianity as a whole, but you know, the Assemblies of God or Southern Baptists cannot shut the Catholic church down.
If Exodus publicly cut ties with DS, it might have the effect of shutting them down.
1) DS would lose the Exodus referrals and the branding of Exodus.
2) Comiskey would lose money if Exodus stopped using his absurd Living Waters books.
3) It would create negative publicity which would also lead to fewer clients.
Bottom line: Exodus should do everything in its power to publicly cut ties. If DS still survives (far from a sure thing) than so be it. Still, it will be weakened, its reputation terribly tarnished and a shell of its original ministry.
So what was the final outcome of the criminal case? Was anyone convicted and forced to register for life as a sex offender? If we had a list of their staff for the time period when the sexual abuse occured), we could cross reference that with the California database of sexual offender (aka Megan’s Law) to see if there is a match.
Of course this happened, as the leaders are still “tempted,” as they call it, with same-gender attractions, as they never REALLY disappear, much as the ex-gay/anti-gay industry wishes to claim it so.
Take it from a man who has truly “been there, done that,” it does NOT go away!!! We may learn to manage our sexual acting out a bit better, however, I received FAR more help in the secular [non-religious] 12-step programs for my sexual addiction than I EVER did from Exodus. After 13 years of abstinence from my “bottom-line” behaviours, I learned how to “be,” and not fret that most of my attractions are towards other guys. Nearing the age of 55 as I am, it’s taken a long time to accept myself as I am and not get bent out of shape because I find other men attractive. Sadly, the ministries affiliated with EXODUS, and HA as well [Homosexuals Anonymous] are selling a message of “freedom” from the attraction, and are taking money from people saying they will help those with unwanted same-gender attractions. If they take money under false pretenses, does that not constitute FRAUD? I believe that that IS fraud [in most places]!
[...] Wayne Besen of Truth Wins Out writes about how Exodus leader’s finally admit to sexual abuse. Read more [...]
I agree with Wayne about Exodus having some leverage here.
If you look at DSM website, you will see that most of the ministries listed as DSM are officially Exodus-affiliated ministries. If those Exodus ministries were required to dissassociate with DSM (and Comiskey’s programs and materials – SALT, Living Waters, etc), it would seriously hurt DSM financially (IF those Exodus ministries complied rather than broke away from Exodus). Exodus is a huge promoter of Comiskey’s products in their online bookstore as well.
Comiskey has said how expensive paying off this settlement has been. If they are still paying on this, Exodus’s lack of support in helping to sell Comiskey’s products through local Exodus/DSM ministry programs and their bookstore could really matter.
” Homophobia is a sin and creating an industry based on this sin will not work ultimately, because God will not allow it.”
Considering the inquisition, the crusades, the current middle east, the murder of Christians in nigeria, the murder of gay people everywhere, the holocaust, and the republican party, among others, i believe we have conclusive evidence that god has moved and left no forwarding address.
God himself said it’s up to us, not him, to make or break the world.
Here he is, saying that, on video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iAZl-pO-l4
I admit it’s strange that God looks sort of like George Burns.
[...] via Truth Wins Out – Desert Scream: Exodus Leader’ Shocking Admissions of Ministry’ Sexual A…. [...]
Wayne, you say:
“For reasons possibly related to this scandal, Comiskey moved Desert Stream from Anaheim to Kansas City, Mo., several years ago, where it currently remains in operation.”
Well, you may be right. But may he not have needed some prompting in the form of an audible divine message? Joanne Highley said: “God drew us to this apartment.” And Richard Cohen relates: “And then finally a voice spoke to me… and it was very clear. “Move to Seattle’ — because we were living in Manhattan before….”
So perhaps Comiskey received a message something like this: “Now, Andy, I’ll tell you how to deal with this situation. What I want you to do is to move Desert Stream to Kansas City, Mo. And don’t worry about what’ happened: I’ll make sure that it’ kept dark.”
Comiskey looks like someone who would be naked under a raincoat at the Little League game. He thinks gay people are “spiritually disfigured”?! How could someone like Michelangelo, who was GAY, create the most beautiful and inspiring religious paintings and sculpture the world has ever seen. If comiskey wants to see REAL ‘spiritual’, moral and ethical ROT, he need only look in a mirror!
Do you know what? I was right! Comiskey DID re-locate Desert Stream to Kansas City on divine instructions:
“God gave me a glimpse into the future during our Living Waters Leadership Conference held at the Vineyard Anaheim, August 2003. … Midway through, God said in His still small voice: “This will be your last Living Waters Conference here.’” Comiskey says that he initially dismissed the still small voice as “inner ear trouble”, so obviously God wasn’t speaking to Comiskey at that point as clearly as he spoke to Richard Cohen about his move to Seattle.
However, the following year (2004), on a visit that he and his wife paid to his son in Missouri:
“I saw a vulnerable spot in the community, and I spoke it out in fear and trembling. … On the plane ride home, we both knew that God was calling us to be a part of the solution. He was calling us to Kansas City.”
It must be wonderful to receive direct celestial guidance like that.
http://thegovernmentalgoalsofgodtv.wordpress.com/2007/07/09/newsflashdesertstreamandihoparegoingtoworktogetherbadnews/
If I ever thought I heard gawd calling me to do anything, I would check into the nearest psychiatric hospital.
[...] Desert Scream: Exodus Leader’ Shocking Admissions of Ministry’ Sexual Abuse (17) [...]
I’ve just used this piece to update the Wikipedia article on Comiskey, incorporating a link to this article. Thanks, Wayne.
What I quite do no understand is why go public with such a scandal and admit that a DSM member “sexually abused at least one teenager who had sought help” and then bless God for not have to account for anything?
I would expect at least apologies to this teenager and his family and some clarification on how they expect to prevent new cases in the future. Basically if I were a DSM member and had children (gay or not) after reading this it would mean that potentially my kid can be abused by a “staff member” and I would find out to late because they basically hide the truth.
At some point he says “Vineyard elders[...] for good reason wanted to know what was really going on in Desert Stream Ministries”. I bet they did! And actually everyone reading this post wants to know what DSM is up to now…
Good content, is this like a sales site for something or is it your content, because it’s really good.
Setting the record straight for I was there when all this happened. Andy was grieved and heart stricken at what occurred with this young man and the affects it had on him and his family. He was very angry at the leader and the appropriate response was had. As to Exodus and Desert Stream you are looking at two different organizations. This would be like asking Mobil to deal with BP’s gulf oil spill.
As to hiding the truth nothing was hidden from anyone except the leader trying to hide his abuse. The leader did face some jail time to my knowledge. As to moving Desert Stream to Kansas City this had nothing to do with the move. I think more to do with finances and the sense it was time to move and the door was open in Kansas City. Not defending Desert Stream and their beliefs but trying to set the record straight since I was there when all this happened.
I’m sorry, but to say that Exodus and Desert Stream are separate is not credible.
Andy’s books are the Exodus lesson plan in many of the ministries. They sell his books at conferences – and he keynotes their conferences. Andy is very much part of Exodus and they are part of him. The evidence on this front is overwhelming and incontrovertible.
Desert Stream is recommended reading:
http://www.exodusinternational.org/content/view/949/35/
Desert Stream is listed as a member ministry:
http://www.exodusinternational.org/content/view/412/178/State/mo
While I don’t mind when people disagree, I don’t like being spun. Andy = Exodus. Period. That the formal chain of command is not identical is irrelevant, quite frankly. Exodus should cut ties to Andy, given what occurred at his organization.
As to his mental state when the sexual abuse occurred – who cares? The question is, what did he do to prevent the molestation and what has he done since to stop it from occurring again? What training to his counselors undergo?
These are the questions that need to be answered.
[...] home church”, Vineyard Anaheim, as a result of “a darker strain of sin in our own ranks.” He goes onto reveal that this sin was, “a longstanding staff person from Desert Stream had sexually abused at least [...]
[...] International. The “ex-gay” hate conference was led by Andy Comisky, the leader of Desert Stream ministries. Here is what he says about LGBT people: In his book “Pursuing Sexual Wholeness,” Comisky calls [...]
I need to check with you here, which is not something I usually do! I take pleasure in reading a website that can make individuals think. Also, thanks for allowing me to remark!
[...] Desert Stream Ministries, based in Kansas City, tells clients “the cross is God’s answer to homosexuality.” Exodus can play semantic games all it wants, but reasonable people will conclude that these programs sound an awful lot like “praying away the gay.” [...]
[...] Engle’s The Call, which is in nearby Overland Park, KS. Additionally, Grandview is home to the notorious “ex-gay” organization Desert Stream Ministries, which has a worldwide reach with its Living Waters “pray away the [...]
[...] ex-gay quack groups, like Cohen’s crackpot organization. Some of the groups listed, such as Desert Stream, present a clear and present danger to kids. Check out this video so you can see how dishonest and [...]