Tonight - Local "Catholic" Vigil at COURAGE Conference

From the so-called "Catholic" Action Network press release of July 24:

LOCAL CATHOLIC GROUP TO VIGIL AT HOMOSEXUALITY CONFERENCE

The Catholic Action Network for Social Justice, (CAN) a local Catholic independent group, will host a vigil in peaceful opposition to the Courage Conference on Thursday, July 27th at 5:30pm across the street from St. Francis Xavier College Church.

Courage is a national Roman Catholic organization affiliated with the ex-gay movement that seeks to help gays and lesbians overcome their sexual orientation.

Courage identifies homosexuals as people suffering from “same sex attraction” and promotes the use of reparative therapy to help members overcome this attraction.

The Courage National Conference will be held at St. Louis University (SLU) from Thursday, July 27th until Sunday, July 30th.

Archbishop Raymond Burke will preside at the Conference’s opening Mass, Thursday at 5:00pm at St. Francis Xavier College Church. [my emphasis]

Courage asserts that homosexuality is often caused by childhood abuse, that gay and lesbians are “slaves to their desires” and that homosexuality is a choice and a disorder that can be “treated”. Courage’s understanding of homosexuality directly contradicts statements by major professional mental health and medical associations including the American Psychological Association, the American Psychiatric Association, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Pediatrics.

CAN initiated this vigil in opposition to Courage’s harmful misinformation about homosexuality, and in disappointment at SLU’s decision to rent space to this group.

The vigil is timed to coincide with the Conference’s opening Mass, and hundreds of vigil participants are expected.

The Catholic Action Network for Social Justice is an independent group formed in 2000 to enact the social teachings of the Catholic Church. CAN’s work has included promoting Fair Trade, peaceful alternatives to war, and ordination for women in the Catholic Church. Press contacts are listed above, and an informational factsheet on Courage is attached.

Not surprisingly, a local parish (which has a newly updated website) has posted this notice on its main page:

Vigil with LGBT Catholics & CAN
at the National COURAGE Conference
Corner of Grand & Lindell
Thursday 7/27 5:30-7:00p

I understand that Slatts will be there to take pictures, although I'm certain that CAN will probably be posting pics on its web site soon, as well.