Ministry responds to those with same-sex attraction

The Church makes room for men and women who struggle with homosexual temptations, a priest and a psychologist told a group in St. Louis July 28.

Courage is a ministry that provides spiritual support for men and women with same-sex attractions who are striving to live chastely in accord with Catholic teaching. The ministry held its annual conference at St. Louis University July 27-30.

Father John Harvey, OSFS, a moral theologian and founding director of Courage, and Peter Rudegeair, a clinical psychologist, addressed some 80 clergy and youth ministers from St. Louis during a part of the conference. The speakers noted that a goal is to assist those who come to the Church seeking help.

They also promoted Encourage, an organization helping parents, spouses and children of people living in a gay lifestyle.

"Courage is a support group," said Father Harvey, a member of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. "People need the help of God and the help of a group."