SAME SEX ATTRACTION

Men and Women who experience same-sex attractions can successfully experience the freedom of interior chastity so they can live a fully Christian life in communion with God and others.

Courage is an apostolate of the Roman Catholic Church founded by Fr. John Harvey of the Archdiocese of New York for men and women with same- sex attraction to learn how to live chaste lives in friendship, truth and love with a spiritual support system. Individuals can share their concerns, talk online through a Listserv or attend chapter meetings, conferences and other opportunities of fellowship. With the endorsement of the Holy See, Courage now has more than 110 chapters and contact people world-wide.

Please visit the website, http://couragerc.net and read actual testimonials from individuals who have benefited from this apostolate.

Courage also has an outreach for relatives and friends of persons with same-sex attraction called Encourage.

“By developing an interior life of chastity, which is the universal call to all Christians, one can move beyond the confines of the homosexual identity to a more complete one in Christ.”

A recent statement from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops:"2006 Ministry to Persons with a Homosexual Inclination: Guidelines for Pastoral Care."

"Pastoral Care for Those With Same-Sex Attraction" - An Interview with Father John Harvey of Courage.

If you are interested in starting a local chapter or participating in a support group, please call the Director of Social Ministry and Catholic Charities, Deacon Edward Peitler, Ph.D. at (843) 402-9115 ext.14 or the Family Life Coordinator, Kathy Schmugge at (803) 547-5063.

The material presented on this page is the responsibility of Mrs. Kathy Schmugge. Any errors and/or suggested additions or deletions should be reported to her either by telephone at (803) 547-5063 or by e-mail (click on Coordinator's E-mail below).

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