This archive report was first published on 30 July 2019.
Former pastor Joshua Harris has made a stunning public declaration, announcing the end of his 21-year marriage and his abandonment of Christianity.
His bestselling book 'I Kissed Dating Goodbye', which was first published in 1997, sold over 1 million copies and became a staple in Christian youth groups. However, Harris now acknowledges that the book contributed to a culture of exclusion and bigotry.
Writing on Instagram, Harris expressed his regret for his past views on LGBTQ rights, stating: 'To the LGBTQ+ community, I want to say that I am sorry for the views that I taught in my books and as a pastor regarding sexuality. I regret standing against marriage equality, for not affirming you and your place in the church, and for any ways that my writing and speaking contributed to a culture of exclusion and bigotry. I hope you can forgive me.'
Harris' book advocated for abstinence and celibacy before marriage, and he has previously spoken out against LGBTQ individuals. However, in a 2017 TEDx Talk, he began to distance himself from his past views, stating that he was 'strong enough to be wrong.'
Published on July 30, 2019, this article highlights Harris' dramatic shift in perspective and his apology for his past actions.
