Colorado Springs, Colo., Sep 19, 2007 / 11:06 am (CNA).- A new study has found that it is possible to change one's sexual orientation through religious mediation.

Study findings were first released last week in a book, "Ex-Gays? A Longitudinal Study of Religiously Mediated Change in Sexual Orientation."

The researchers, Stanton Jones of Wheaton College and Mark Yarhouse of Regent University, tracked men and women who had undergone a program of group discussions, counseling, journal writing, Scripture reading and prayer to change their gender orientation.

Focus on the Family has lent their support to the study’s findings, in which 67 percent of participants reported a change toward heterosexual orientation or ... successfully continuing to work towards that goal.

In a statement, Melissa Fryrear, director of Focus on the Family’s gender issues department, said study results are comparable with the success rates for dealing with "other difficult issues," such as depression.

"This study bolsters our position of advocating for people's right to self-determination," said. Fryrear, who previously self-identified as a homosexual.

“If someone has unwanted same-sex attraction, it is their right to seek alternatives to change," she said.

05:18 am | Vatican prefect encourages Chinese clergy in commitment to unity

05:16 am | Citing new memo, Senators urge HHS to restrict abortion funding in high-risk pools

03:27 am | Anglican cleric apologizes for giving communion to dog

12:54 am | Boston archdiocese asks for lay participation in Catholics Come Home campaign

10:06 pm | Judge rules against Christian banned from Eastern Michigan counseling program

Argentinean doctors say science proves only two sexes exist: male and female

Christian church refuses funeral for homosexual man

San Diego firefighters say superiors forced them to ride in gay parade

Former gay leader goes straight and leaves helm of magazine he founded