Evergreen International
Evergreen International was a non-profit organization located in Salt Lake City, Utah, whose mission was to assist "people who want to diminish same-sex attraction and overcome homosexual behavior." It adhered to LDS teachings, but was independent of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The organization stated this task could be accomplished with the help of the Lord and, in some cases, psychological counseling. Evergreen was founded in 1989 as a grassroots organization by eleven men who were seeking to deal with their homosexual feelings in ways congruent to the teachings of the Church.
Mission Statement
Evergreen is founded on the belief that the atonement of Jesus Christ enables every soul the opportunity to turn away from all sins or conditions that obstruct their temporal and eternal happiness and potential.
Evergreen attests that individuals can overcome homosexual behavior and can diminish same-sex attraction, and is committed to assisting individuals who wish to do so.
Evergreen provides education, guidance, and support to those involved in the transition from homosexuality, and is available as a resource to family, friends, professional counselors, religious leaders, and all others involved in assisting individuals who desire to change.
Evergreen sustains the doctrines and standards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints without reservation or exception, but is not affiliated with the Church. Evergreen welcomes all people who wish to participate in the pursuit of these goals.
History
In the summer of 1989 in Salt Lake City, Utah, a group of eleven met to organize Evergreen. Believing that homosexual practices are not in keeping with the gospel of Christ, these individuals were frustrated with their experience in other organizations. They concluded there must be a solution other than destroying spiritual beliefs or denying sexual longings.
The next spring, this small group sponsored a conference to publicly attest to their belief and hope. The conference received national and international media coverage, and group members were invited to appear on the Phil Donahue Show, Larry King Live on CNN, and various local television and radio programs. This prompted public debate over the possibility of growth out of same-sex attraction. It also inspired interest in those who felt the truth of the principles promoted by Evergreen, and participation grew even more.
Support groups were formed for men and women struggling with homosexuality. Groups were also formed for spouses and for family and friends of those struggling. In 1992, the name Evergreen International was adopted as the name of the organization.
From this small group, Evergreen grew to an international organization with affiliates in locations throughout the United States and in many other countries.
Merger with North Star
In January 2014, Evergreen International announced it would close and refer its participants to North Star.
