The controversial Exodus International, which promoted a program to ‘cure’ homosexuality through prayer and psychotherapy, has apologized for its program. The ministry also announced that it will close.

The New York Times notes that the group’s decision to close comes while president Alan Chambers has become increasingly vocal against the idea that you can ‘cure’ gay men and lesbians using prayer.

In a letter posted on the group’s website, Chambers apologized for originally promoting the idea.

“I am sorry for the pain and hurt many of you have experienced,” he wrote. “I am sorry that some of you spent years working through the shame and guilt you felt when your attractions didn’t change. I am sorry we promoted sexual orientation change efforts and reparative theories about sexual orientation that stigmatized parents.”

He then continued to apologize for not standing up for gays while those who represented his groups insulted the LGBT community.

“More than anything, I am sorry that so many have interpreted this religious rejection by Christians as God’s rejection,” he writes. “I am profoundly sorry that many have walked away from their faith and that some have chosen to end their lives. For the rest of my life I will proclaim nothing but the whole truth of the Gospel, one of grace, mercy and open invitation to all to enter into an inseverable relationship with almighty God.”

According to CBS News, Chambers had actually promoted himself as a success story. He claimed in a 2007 AP interview, “There are thousands of people like me who have overcome this. I think there's room for more than one opinion on this subject, and giving people options isn't dangerous.”

But in the letter Wednesday, he admitted that he “conveniently omitted my ongoing same-sex attractions.” He continued, “Today, however, I accept these feelings as parts of my life that will likely always be there. The days of feeling shame over being human in that way are long over, and I feel free simply accepting myself as my wife and family does. As my friends do. As God does.”

Exodus believed that people were not born gay, but had chose to be attracted to the same sex, which meant that they could be ‘cured.’ However, as homosexuality continues to be more accepted in the U.S., the ministry came under criticism.

Exodus had 150 affiliated churches, which can continue operating without the Exodus name.