Clergy Conference on Courage

We recently had a Clergy Conference in the Archdiocese, and Courage was the issue addressed. Courage is the Catholic Church's outreach to men or women who experience same-sex attraction and want to remain faithful to the Catholic Church's teaching on faith and morals. (They have a great website if you would like more information:  www.couragerc.net .)

There were three principal speakers, each approaching the subject of same sex attraction from a different angle. The layman explained his life story and gave personal witness to the ongoing help that the Courage network gave him.  I found his personal witness  indisputable and indispensable, so I was happy he went first. At least the priests who didn't stay and hear the afternoon sessions got a chance to hear him speak. The afternoon session was great too, but was concerned about the causes of homosexuality. I found the talk illuminating, but not as impressive as the layman's witness. I suppose that is because theory can always be argued about, but life experience is undeniable.

In the afternoon, the psychologist touched on various scientific studies regarding homosexuality and explained their findings, and also explored some of the personality dynamics. There were questions from the group which he answered completely and thoughtfully.The priest, Monsignor Paul Check, presented a brief history of Courage, and the spiritual principles under-girding, inspiring and sustaining the movement. 

The conference began at 10:30 am and ended around 3:00 pm, with a break for lunch and a time for questions and answers at the end of each session.There were about 35 priests present at the morning session, and, I think, under 30 for the afternoon conference. I was surprised to see so few of us priests there. Given the clarity as well as the unpopularity of the church's teaching on the subject, the general acceptance of homosexuality and the gay life style, the push for same-sex marriage by Obama and various states, plus the need to educate ourselves and our parishes on such a delicate and sensitive subject, the attendance should have been standing room only. Still, it was a positive beginning. It will be interesting to see where we go from here.