After Willow Creek Departure, Exodus International Says Churches are Shying Away from Controversy

Willow Creek Community Church made the decision to split from the group as early as 2009, although news that the megachurch had left Exodus International's network did not surface until late last month.

Willow Creek director of pastoral care Scott Vaudrey said the decision came during "a season of reviewing and clarifying some of our affiliations with outside organizations."

But Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International, said Willow Creek's departure is evidence of a "disappointing trend" in the Christian community, with churches and other groups shying away from controversial issues -- like homosexual outreach.

"There are Christians who believe like one another who aren't willing to stand with one another, simply because they're afraid of the backlash people will direct their way if they are seen with somebody who might not be politically correct," Chambers charged.

Willow Creek is a Chicago-based megachurch with 24,000 members in satellite locations around the country. Polls have also named Willow Creek the most influential church in America.

Exodus International has seen several departures over the years.