Focus on the Family is bowing out of the conference business when it comes to the “Love Won Out” conferences it’s held to help people “overcome” same-sex attractions, the ministry announced Tuesday.

Focus spokesman Gary Schneeberger said “financial realities” influenced the change, but shifting the conferences to Exodus International is a “strategic opportunity” for both ministries.

Schneeberger told The Associated Press that the Colorado Springs, Colo., ministry is likely to be $6 million short of its $138 million budget this fiscal year.

“Exodus is thrilled with this opportunity as the Love Won Out conference is a natural fit in our ongoing efforts to share the hope we’ve found,” said Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International, which is based in Orlando, Fla.

Exodus, a group that believes gays can become straight through prayer and counseling, recently merged with two like-minded denominational groups. (We blogged about that last month.)

(Photo: Alan Chambers)