Church has room for those struggling with homosexuality, speakers say

Published: 2006-08-09

ST. LOUIS (CNS) -- 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 at the annual conference of Courage at St. Louis University. 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. Father John Harvey, 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 part of the July 27-30 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, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales. "People need the help of God and the help of a group."

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