Online Resources for the Study of
A CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVE ON SAME-SEX ATTRACTION
"There is no safer place
for a man or a woman who has same-sex attraction
than in the arms of our Mother, the Church."
~Fr. Michael Schmitz (in From
Love, For Love, By Love)
Yellow *** indicates good starting points
CONTENTS
Introduction: Charity in Truth
Catholic View of Love, the Body, and
Sexuality
Magisterial Teaching of the Roman
Catholic Church
About Catholic Teachings on Same-Sex
Attraction
Courage: A Roman Catholic Apostolate
Listen to Catholics Who Have Same-Sex
Attraction
Especially for Parents, Friends and
Loved Ones
INTRODUCTION:
CHARITY IN TRUTH
Worth
pondering, as we consider how the Church may best love those with same-sex
attraction, is a common theme of the pontificate of Benedict XVI,
that of charity in truth (Caritas in Veritate,
esp. paragraphs 1-4 and 78-79) . Unfortunately it appears that
most Catholics' ways of relating to and speaking of those with homosexual
inclinations fall at one extreme or another, without successfully integrating
both love and truth.
Some
would insist that, toward this particular population, love means complete
acceptance. This well-meaning, yet mistaken, form of compassion tends toward a
full acceptance of not only the person's limiting "gay" identity, but
also same-sex sexual activity and same-sex marriage. Ultimately such
"love" requires a rejection of both natural law and the teaching of
Christ through His Church.
At
the other extreme there are those who self-righteously pronounce only the most
difficult aspects of Church teaching on this matter in a condemnatory manner,
as if it were the worst of all sins. Many speak of and relate to those
with same-sex attraction with harsh words, presumptuous assumptions, avoidance,
and, yes, at times, even fear. They fail to have compassion for the suffering
and isolation of those who find themselves (no one chooses this) with a homosexual
inclination. Their truth delivered without charity only alienates and is
incapable of wooing the soul.
Pope
Benedict Emeritus called us to refuse to compromise on either truth or love.
He reminds us that love without truth is not really love: "Without
truth, charity degenerates into sentimentality" Caritas in Veritate, par.
3). "To defend the truth, to articulate it with humility and
conviction, and to bear witness to it in life are therefore exacting and
indispensable forms of charity. Charity, in fact, 'rejoices in the truth"
(Caritas in Veritate, par.
1). Within the context of his role as the prefect of the Congregation for
the Doctrine of Faith, then Cardinal Ratzinger wrote, specifically
with regard to homosexuality, that "departure from the Church's
teaching, or silence about it, in an effort to provide pastoral care, is
neither caring nor pastoral. Only what is true can ultimately be
pastoral" (Letter to
the Bishops of the Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons, par. 15).
It
is clear, then, that we need to consider how to relate to those with same-sex
attraction with an abundance of both truth and love. At times, in
the eyes of those who identify themselves as "gay", Catholic truth
appears to be incompatible with the kind of love they want from us. But
we must continue to offer them the hope we have in Christ and in His Church,
because real Truth and real Love cannot contradict one another. They both
emanate from the heart and mind of God, who is "Eternal Love and Absolute
Truth"(Caritas In Veritate, par.1).
Let
us consider, in the words of Archbishop Carlson, how to love as Christ loves:
Many
people today challenge the Gospel and the teachings of the Church because they
think that we should just love people instead of drawing moral lines—in
short, that we should be "tolerant." In that context we can ask
a simple question: Was Jesus
tolerant? The Gospel story of the woman caught in
adultery is a stunning example of how Jesus wasn't "tolerant" as
people today understand that term. To be sure, Jesus protected the woman
caught in adultery—he did not advocate or allow any kind of violence
against her. And, to be sure, Jesus did not condemn the woman caught in
adultery—he is love incarnate, and we have to imagine that he looked on
her with a love that pierced her to the heart. But he did not condone her
sin; he did not "tolerate" her behavior in non-judgmental silence; he
did not leave it to her to define her "own concept of existence, of
meaning, of the universe, and of the mystery of human life."
Instead, he told her "Go, and sin no more." Because he loved
her, he gave her the dignity of naming her sin for what it was. He
treated her as someone who could rise above sin; he treated her as someone who
wanted to rise above sin; he treated her as someone for whom he wanted
more. Yes, Jesus loved people. And because he loved people, he drew
moral lines. And because he drew moral lines he incurred the wrath of the
powerful. Jesus was willing to suffer the consequences of love - are
we? (Carlson "Witness to the New Evangelization")
Pope
Francis homily on Divine Mercy Sunday in April of 2013 offers a beautiful
vision for all of us as sinners, expounding on how Jesus and the Father offer
patient love and mercy to us, no matter how far weÕve strayed, always waiting
with open arms for us to turn back to Him, where under His loving gaze we can
be freed and transformed. As we
meditate on GodÕs patient mercy with us we also see a model for how we are
called to love others, including those who carry the cross of same-sex
attraction:
Dear
brothers and sisters, let us be enveloped by the mercy of God; let us trust in
his patience, which always gives us more time. Let us find the courage to
return to his house, to dwell in his loving wounds, allowing ourselves be loved
by him and to encounter his mercy in the sacraments. We will feel his wonderful
tenderness, we will feel his embrace, and we too will become more capable of
mercy, patience, forgiveness and love. (Pope
Francis homily, 4/7/13)
CATHOLIC VIEW
OF LOVE, THE BODY, AND SEXUALITY
The
best way to fully appreciate the integrity of the teachings of the Catholic
Church on same-sex attraction is to begin with a study of the Church's
understanding of sexuality in the context of a fuller understanding of human
person, the meaning of the body, and, ultimately, the meaning of love as a gift
of self. A study of the
writings and talks of Blessed John Paul II on this topic is invaluable.
*** Online Resources for the Online Study of Human Sexuality
A full page of
links to church teaching, articles, and podcasts.
*** Fr. Mike Schmitz. From Love, For Love, By Love: A Deeper Understanding of
Contraception, Same Sex Attraction, and Authentic Love
CD version Download mp3 version Similar
content on YouTube : The
Theology of the Body.
Incorporates the broader meaning of the person, the body, friendship,
love, and of sexuality into a discussion of same-sex attraction. (Purchase from Lighthouse Media)
J.
Budziszewski. Designed
for Sex: What We Lose When We Forget What Sex is For Touchstone Magazine.
MAGISTERIAL TEACHING OF THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH
(For
foundational documents, see Humanae Vitae and Persona Humana: Declaration on Certain Questions
Concerning Sexual Ethics)
*** Eleven
Church Teachings on Homosexuality Accessible
pamphlet that puts key points of the Letter to the Bishops of the
Catholic Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons in layman's terms. A good
first resource to give someone with same-sex attraction or their loved ones, or
for use in the confessional or pamphlet rack.
Catechism
of the Catholic Church par. 2357-2359 (important to use
the definitive edition [green] as text was revised in the section on
homosexuality)
Recommended
application of the magisterial teaching coming from our national bishops'
conferences.
*** USCCB "Ministry to Persons with a Homosexual Inclination:
Guidelines for Pastoral Care" (2006)
Fr.
John Harvey. "Comments on 'Ministry to Persons with a Homosexual
Inclination: Guidelines for Pastoral Care'"
Fr.
Harvey, founder of Courage (see below) and enlightened by decades of
ministry to those with same-sex attraction, offers his favorable
commentary and some suggested additional considerations.
USCCB
Committee on Family and Marriage. "Always Our Children: A Pastoral Message to Parents
of Homosexual Children and Suggestions for Pastoral Ministers" (1997)
Read concurrently with Fr. Harvey's commentary below.
Fr.
John Harvey. Observations Concerning the Revised Text of "Always
Our Children"
Fr.
Harvey, founder of Courage and enlightened by decades of ministry to those with
same-sex attraction, expresses reservations and the need for additional
clarification and elaboration.
*** Episcopal Commission for Doctrine of the Canadian
Conference of Catholic Bishops. "Pastoral Ministry to Young Persons with Same-Sex
Attraction" (2011) Excellent and
very accessible. A good first resource to offer those with same-sex attraction
and their families.
ABOUT CATHOLIC TEACHING ON SAME-SEX ATTRACTION
Rev.
Paul Scalia. Chairman of the Board of Courage (see below).
*** "Same Sex Attraction" (ARTICLE)
An articulate four-part series written for the Arlington Herald, a diocesan
newspaper.
*** Fr. Paul Scalia "The True Catholic Teaching on
Homosexuality" (AUDIO) Directed to
young adults from Arlington Diocese Theology on Tap series. Search for "Homosexuality" to
find talk or scroll down to "Winter '09 Series"
"Speaking the Truth in Love: Christianity and
Homosexuality" (AUDIO) with
Deacon Barry Levy.
Fr.
Paul Check.
Executive Director of Courage (see below), Courage chaplain, and moral
theologian.
*** Clarity and Charity: The Catholic Church and
Homosexuality (AUDIO) Talk given to Gospel of Life Society at St. Mary's
Catholic Church in Norwalk, CT.
"The Catholic Church and Homosexuality: Severe or
sensible?" (VIDEO) Annual Faber Lecture at Marquette
University. Does a splendid job of explaining the rationale behind the
moral teaching of the Church.
Homosexuality and Catholic Teaching Part 1 and Part 2 (AUDIO) Catholic Answers
Live
interview. (Video
clips)
Homily on chastity and same-sex
attraction.
Fr.
Mike Schmitz. Director of Newman Campus Ministry at University
of Minnesota - Duluth)
*** From Love, For Love, By Love: A Deeper Understanding of
Contraception, Same Sex Attraction, and Authentic Love (CD from Lighthouse Catholic Media)
An
excellent first
resource for someone with same-sex attraction or their loved ones.
"Father
Michael Schmitz tackles some of the most difficult topics in the Church today.
With compassion, clarity, and humor, he shows that the Church's teachings on
contraception and same-sex attraction are rooted in the yearnings for authentic
love that is shared by all, who are made in the image and likeness of
God." Fr. Schmitz
compassionately announces the good news that ""There is no safer place for a man or a woman who
has same sex attraction than in the arms of our Mother, the Church."
Listen
to preview of the talk.
Read review.
View
similar talk on YouTube: The
Theology of the Body.
Listen
to similar talks in Homily
Archives :
10/7/12, "Called to Love", and 10/17/10, "The Universal Call
"Why is homosexuality a sin?" (ARTICLE)
Fr.
Paul Scalia. A Label That Sticks.
*** David Prosen. "I am not Gay, I'm David"
Dan
Mattson. "Why I Don't Call Myself a Gay Christian"
COURAGE: A ROMAN CATHOLIC APOSTOLATE
*** Courage
website
*** Courage Young Adult Brochure
*** Annual Courage Conference An exceptional blessings to
both those with SSA and those who love and care for them.
Endorsements
and Quotes
Pope
John Paul II said of this ministry, "COURAGE is doing the work of
God!"
Courage
is endorsed
by the Pontifical Council for the Family. "This
Pontifical Council for the Family supports the organization called 'Courage'
which was founded by Father John Harvey, OSFS, for helping homosexual persons
to live in accordance with the laws of God and the teaching of His
Church." (Cardinal
Lopez Trujillo, 7 July 1994 - Prot. N216/93)
"Whenever
the Church encounters a particular social condition or vulnerability in man's
fallen human nature, it's simply a matter of natural justice that she'd also provide
the means for people to live out the teaching...In our pastoral charity, we
want to give the souls under our care the means to living the moral teaching of
the Church"
(Fr.
Paul Check, director of Courage)
"The
Courage apostolate is that maternal solicitude on the part of the Church to
people who have a unique struggle, an often difficult and vexing one, and who
want to know that the grace of Christ and his Cross is available to them in
concrete and practical ways. This is part of the charism of Courage and what
was in the mind and heart of our founder, Cardinal Cooke. It is a desire to
express the Church's care and affection for a group of people who often feel
isolated. I don't just say lonely, but isolated. They're uncertain about where
they can find assistance, who really takes an interest in them and who has a
love for them. The Church does." (Fr. Paul Check, director of
Courage)
Articles
and other media on Courage.
Note
how well Courage fits the recommendations laid out by both the Vatican and the
USCCB in:
-
Confraternity
of the Doctrine of the Faith's Letter to the Bishops of the Catholic
Church on the Pastoral Care of Homosexual Persons
-
USCCB's Ministry to Persons with a Homosexual Inclination: Guidelines
for Pastoral Care (specifically mentions Courage on in the
footnotes on page 22).
"The Courage Apostolate" A very brief
description and history.
Fr.
Paul Check.
Executive Director of Courage, Courage chaplain, and moral theologian.
Written interviews, audio recordings of lectures and radio, and video of
lectures and television.
*** "Courage Continues Mission of
Its Founder, Father Harvey: Director of Catholic apostolate to
homosexuals discusses challenges and opportunities" (ARTICLE) National Catholic
Register's extended interview of Fr. Paul Check, director of Courage, in the
context of the Courage convention in the summer of 2011.
"Life on the Rock: Courage" with Fr. Paul Check. (VIDEO of
EWTN TV show with call-in) Includes interview with "Steve", a
man with same-sex attraction, who has been drawn into a life of chastity and to
deep appreciation for the Church.
Fr.
Paul Check. "Catholic Answers Live: Hope for Homosexuals" (AUDIO
of radio talk and call-in show) Focuses on ministry of Courage.
Fr.
John Harvey. Founder of Courage and moral theologian who served those
with same sex attraction for many decades and is thus the a preeminent
authority on the Catholic approach to serving those with same-sex attraction.
Fr.
John Harvey. Same Sex Attraction: Catholic Teaching and Pastoral
Practice. Booklet by founder of Courage, moral theologian, and
preeminent expert on Catholic approach to serving those with same sex
attraction.
"A
Tribute to Fr. John Harvey" Tribute to the
recently deceased founder of Courage, given by Fr. Paul Check, the
current Director of Courage. The gentle spirit of love that pervaded Fr.
Harvey's ministry lives on in Courage.
Bishop
James Conley (Denver) "Courage: Speaking the Truth in Love"
Lots more material to peruse at:
Courage
web site: http://www.couragerc.net/
EnCourage
web site: http://www.couragerc.net/EnCourage.html Serves
parents, spouses, relatives, and friends.) Five
goals of EnCourage.
Priests
with Courage: http://couragerc.net/Priests_with_Courage.html (This
network serves deacons and seminarians, too.)
LISTEN TO CATHOLICS WHO HAVE SAME-SEX ATTRACTION WHO
HAVE FOUND PEACE AND FREEDOM IN THE HEART OF CHURCH
(Listen,
too, to how the Church can learn to love them better.)
David
Prosen. Catholic counselor and member of Courage.
"Breaking Free From Homosexuality: One Man's Journey
to Life in Christ" "I desperately sought support from
other Catholics who were going through the same struggles but who
wanted to live chaste lives. In my former diocese, I found little or
no support, and often what support I was given condoned the sin. This
has helped me realize how important it is that we promote and support
Courage."
*** David Morrison. "Out of the Closet and Into Chastity"
Articulately
speaks of the appealing beauty of the unique teaching of the Catholic Church on
homosexuality. "As both a former homosexual activist and current
faithful Catholic committed to chastity, I urge instead that all Catholics,
laity and clergy, join together to preach the fullness of the Church's teaching
on this matter. I implore this because I believe it to be a teaching filled
with dignity, truth and self-respect for all people, one which, if preached in
integrity and steadfastness, will bring many to a full life with Jesus
Christ."
"Steve
Gershom" "I'm A Man: 5 Questions and Answers from a
Homosexual Catholic"
Faithful
Catholic with same-sex attraction who has never been involved in the "gay" lifestyle.. Very
insightful. When asked, "Is there anything you wish you could
change about the Church's teaching on homosexuality?, "Steve"
replied, "Not a thing. Without the Church's clear teaching on the issue, I
would have been at the mercy of my badly confused emotions. When your instincts
are misleading, you need something unshakable. The Church is a rock." (His
Blog: "Steve
Gershom: Gay, Catholic, and Feeling Fine, Thanks)
Dan
Mattson. Courage member.
"Why I Don't Call Myself a Gay Christian" published at First
Things.
Letters
to Christopher: On the Subject of Same-Sex Attraction
A blog of letters he wrote using a pseudonym of "Nathaniel Jameson"
who is writing as a chaste, but same-sex attracted uncle to a nephew who has
just "come out".
ÒLiving
With Same-Sex AttractionÓ Catholic Answers Live (PODCAST)
ÒWine as Strong as FireÓ
(VIDEO slideshow) Testimony about
how the finest fruit is borne from the greatest suffering, in this case, his
same-sex attraction.
Living
with Same-Sex Attraction. Catholic
Spirit.com Archdiocese of St. Paul and
Minneapolis.
"Liberated Love". Courage offers
compassion, fellowship, and hope to those with same-sex attraction. Three
testimonies from Courage men.
Catholic
Medical Association. Homosexuality and Hope. Scholarly, with
extensive documentation. See section on The Role of the Priest.
*** Catholic Medical Association. Homosexuality and Hope: Questions and Answers About
Same-Sex Attraction A simplified version of
the above-mentioned resource; accessible to all. (Excerpted from
longer booklet. Order full-length copies at Catholic Medical Association) Excellent
publication for a first resource to share with others; addresses spiritual
well-being, too.
***
"Ministering to
Those With Same-Sex Attraction: What Courage Members Would Like Clergy to
Know" Most insightful look into the needs
and struggles of people with same-sex attraction.
Rev. Thomas G. Morrow. "How
Priests Can Help Homosexuals." Homiletics and Pastoral Review.
(December 1997) "Having worked with Fr. Harvey for several years, I
am convinced that he, and the group he founded, Courage, are the best hope for
homosexuals and for the Church in helping homosexuals. "
Rev. Jeffrey Keefe
O.F.M.Conv., Ph.D., S.T.L. "Outreach to Homosexual Persons: The Understanding
Heart" Fr. Keefe is a clinical psychologist who teaches
pastoral psychology.
Rev. Paul Check
(director of Courage) Homily on Chastity and same-sex attraction. Articulately integrates
teaching and guidance regarding same-sex attraction into a homily about
chastity in general in the light of the treasure of the teachings of Church.
"We do well to avoid either softening what the Church teaches or
making it more severe than it is." "The most important thing that I can ever tell
you as a priest is this: the doctrinal and moral teachings of the Catholic
Church are 'pearls of great price,' (cf Mt 13:46) entrusted to her by Christ
for the good of our immortal souls."
Resources for Priests Courage webpage for with
several very helpful articles.
***
Priests with Courage A network of priests committed to
ministering to persons struggling with homosexuality with the love of Christ
and the full teachings of the Church, especially in the area of chastity.
Lots of resources. Particularly worthy of note are the
Goals of Priests With Courage .
*** Courage Young Adult Brochure
*** Fr. Mike Schmitz. From Love, For Love, By Love: A Deeper Understanding of
Contraception, Same Sex Attraction, and Authentic Love
CD version Download mp3 version Incorporates
the broader meaning of the person, the body, friendship, love, and of sexuality
into a discussion of same-sex attraction.
Fr.
Paul Scalia. A Label That Sticks. Discusses the trend toward premature and
counterproductive labeling of highschool students.
ESPECIALLY FOR PARENTS, FRIENDS, AND LOVED ONES OF
THOSE WITH SAME-SEX ATTRACTION
*** Fr. Paul Scalia.
"Same Sex Attraction" (ARTICLE) An articulate four-part
series written for the Arlington Herald, a diocesan newspaper. Part 4, ÒFidelity to Love and TruthÓ of this series is particularly
addressed to parents and those who love someone with with SSA.
Interview
with Fr. Paul Check. Loving
a Child with Same-Sex Attraction . National Catholic Register, 3/21/13.
Dan
Mattson. Dealing
With Same-Sex Attraction.
For parents of children struggling with same-sex attraction.
EnCourage Helpful Resources Testimonies from parents as well as numerous other articles
and resources especially selected for those who love someone with same-sex
attraction.
EnCourage. A ministry within Courage dedicated to
the spiritual needs of parents, siblings, children, and other relatives and
friends of persons who have same-sex attraction.
A
top priority is finding a counselor who both fully embraces the teaching of the
Church and specializes in working with patients with same-sex attraction. Many
will not be able to find faithful and competent local help. In many cases
counseling can be done by phone or Skype. Inclusion on this list does not
guarantee the competency or effectiveness of the counselors, but rather
suggests that they present themselves as authentically Catholic (unless
otherwise noted) and with specialized training in serving those with sexual
identity concerns.
Deacon Barry Levy, LCSW-C, LMFT. Speaking
the Truth in Love: Christianity and Homosexuality: Part Two (Institute for
Catholic Culture) Deacon and
therapist who serves those with unwanted same-sex attraction speaks about the
psychological dimension of same-sex attraction and therapy.
CatholicTherapists.com Look for counselors who state that
they specialize in serving those with Sexual Identity Disorders. If there is no
one local, check other states for those who do phone or Skype counseling.
Do a Google search for "Catholic therapists" and
"sexual identity disorders" to find all of the
therapists listed at CatholicTherapists.com who specialize in this area.
Institute for Marital Healing Dr. Richard
Fitzgibbons, Dr. Peter
Kleponis. Connecticut. Does phone and Skype counseling.
St.
Michael's Institute New York. Does phone counseling.
(See "What We Do" section)
Pastoral Solutions Institute Steubenville, OH.
Phone counseling only. Greg Popcak.
St. Raphael Healing.
Huntington, New York. Phone and Skype. David Prosen. (Has
struggled with SSA himself) (Articles: "The Gay Identity: Fact or Fiction", "I'm Not Gay, I'm David")
Vatican
Values. Riverside
and Encino, CA. Phone and Skype. Thomas
Schmierer (Articles: "Unwanted Same Sex Attraction is Treatable")
Janelle Hallman. Christian, but not Catholic.
Internationally respected for work with women with same-sex attraction.
Also see her Desert Hope ministry.
NARTH
National Association for the Research and Therapy of Homosexuality Not explicitly religious, but
offers referral service for therapists who work with patients who seek to live
chastely and possibly free from same sex attraction. Call for referrals to
counselors.
A supplement to the syllabus, Fullest Access:Catholicism
Last updated 5/8/13