SPECIAL Report The Blessings of Chastity Courage’s outreach to men and women with same-sex attraction continues to grow, as bishops like Thomas olmsted of phoenix promote its vital work. brother priests, “is that we all hear industry, news media, and modern by Chuck weber stories like this repeated in the confes- culture. The mission of the apostolate sional more often than we care to ad- and its emphasis on fostering personal he 30-minute talk from the mid- mit. These penitents tell us that they purity, prayer, and chaste friendships is dle-aged man describing his jour- are being told by other priests that the distinctly different from the tactics of T ney from confused boyhood to lifestyle they live isn’t really sinful, isn’t those involved in political issues like sexually abusive adolescence, and ulti- really wrong. And so they leave more the redefinition of marriage to include mately into what is referred to as an ac- confused and in more pain than before same-sex unions and other so-called tive “gay lifestyle” left the packed room they came in.” “gay rights.” of priests and parish ministers in a state The issue of such “misplaced com- “We recognize and understand that of awkward, stunned silence. passion” among clergy and psychiat- homosexuality poses very real cul- The man’s deepest secrets included ric professionals—as well as a range tural problems,” acknowledges Father countless sexual liaisons, indulged in of other challenges confronting men Check, “but we go to great lengths in while under emotional, psychological, and women with same-sex attraction approaching the question of homosex- and even workplace pressures. Much (SSA)—took center stage in Chicago uality not as a cultural problem or de- like an alcoholic who hits rock bottom, last August during the 23rd annual bate. Courage approaches the question he also spoke about his moment of con- conference of Courage, a Roman Catho- of homosexuality as a lived reality in version, the breakthrough toward a lic apostolate for those living with SSA. the daily life of individual people. Our path of normalcy, and the rediscovery Courage and EnCourage (the com- purpose is help men and women who of the sacraments and the practice of panion support group for parents and have a same-sex attraction discover his Catholic faith. loved ones) offers members an op- and know they are not defined by these Standing self-consciously before his portunity to express themselves in a inclinations, that far more importantly audience, he sipped a glass of water distinctive atmosphere of peace and they are children of God, redeemed in and awaited their reaction, the distant mutual spiritual support. When deeply Christ and invited to grace in this life groan of an air conditioner the only personal, emotion-filled testimonials and glory in the life to come.” perceptible sound in the room. Final- like the one described above are of- The roots of Courage can be traced ly, a priest from a major metropolitan fered, this is done with the explicit un- back to the 1970s and late Cardinal Ter- diocese broke the awkward pause, rose derstanding of confidentiality. Execu- ence Cooke of New York, who became slowly, and spoke softly. tive Director Father Paul Check says aware of and deeply concerned about “Thank you for what you just that understanding is crucial in mak- the Church’s lack of formal outreach shared,” he said, his voice barely above ing Courage a “place where men and to Catholics with SSA. This pastoral a whisper. “I cannot imagine what it women of like mind and heart can meet vacuum, he observed, imposed an un- was like for you to stand in front of under the care of a priest and strive to welcome moment of decision for men strangers and share the deepest pains live a life of fidelity to Christ and his and women: forge one’s own path— and the darkest hours you have ever Church.” which often led to a sense of exclusion experienced. My heart goes out to you Courage is widely considered to be and isolation—or accept the secular and I am filled with gratitude for your the Church’s most ambitious spiritual standard of homosexuality, which typi- willingness to reveal what you’ve been and pastoral effort on behalf of men cally led to the acting out of same-sex through.” and women with SSA, many of whom desires. “One of the great tragedies of the have been drawn into homosexual life- Knowing of Father John Harvey’s Church,” he continued, his voice ris- styles that are increasingly celebrated extensive on-the-streets ministry expe- ing and trembling as he turned to his and promoted by the entertainment rience and background in moral theol- 38 THE CATHOLIC WORLD REPORT, December 2011 November 2011_Whole.indd 38 11/22/2011 5:59:35 PM ogy, Cardinal Cooke invited the Oblate mong the other Church leaders makes a deliberate choice to engage of St. Francis de Sales to visit New York presenting at the conference this in homosexual activity, that action is and explore pastoral ministry possibili- a year was Bishop Thomas Olmsted gravely immoral, and it is a responsi- ties. Enlisting the help of others, includ- of Phoenix, a man Father Check de- bility of Mother Church to protect her ing Father Benedict Groeschel, CFR, Fa- scribes as a model for pastoral compas- children from harm.” ther Harvey formed Courage Interna- sion for those with SSA on the diocesan Of the nine priests who signed the tional in 1980, gaining the endorsement and parish level. Like other bishops “No Longer Silent Phoenix Declara- of the Holy See not long thereafter. who have waded into the controver- tion,” two are still serving in the Dio- Vatican approval and a relentless sy surrounding “gay rights,” Bishop cese of Phoenix. Some former priests of negative campaign from liberal theolo- Olmsted has endured harsh, some- the diocese claim in the secular press gians and laypeople have earned Cour- times personal attacks from within the to have been “forced out” because of age much abuse from countless critics Church and outside of it for his support their views on homosexuality. During who view its mission and direction as of Courage and his pastoral concern for his presentation at the 2011 Courage repressive, “homophobic”—or worse. people with SSA. conference, Bishop Olmsted reflected Ironically, says Father Groeschel, Shortly after his arrival in Phoenix upon the clerical reaction to Humanae the initial pushback from within the 2003, Bishop Olmsted became aware Vitae, drawing the comparison to con- Church against Courage was due to the that as many as nine of his priests had temporary attitudes toward homosexu- misunderstanding that the group pro- signed a statement drafted by area cler- ality. Citing one of the encyclical’s great moted tolerance or even acceptance of gy (primarily from mainline Protestant defenders, Bishop Austin Vaughan, homosexual relations. congregations) known as the “No Lon- who served as president of the Catho- With this notion quickly dispelled, ger Silent Phoenix Declaration,” de- lic Theological Society when the en- Father Harvey embarked upon a three- scribed in media accounts as “pro-gay cyclical was released, Bishop Olmsted decade long career as leader of Cour- rights.” In response, Bishop Olmsted explained, “Bishop Vaughan later said age, writing two compelling books dur- privately contacted the priests, request- that most priests didn’t preach against ing his tenure: The Homosexual Person: ing that they withdraw their support Humanae Vitae—they just lost confi- New Thinking in Pastoral Care (1987) and from the statement. dence it was good news.” The Truth About Homosexuality: The Cry The confidential letter was promptly In Bishop Olmsted’s diocese and in of the Faithful (1996). leaked to the press. Some of the priests Courage chapters across the United Today, Courage maintains more than publicly defied Bishop Olmsted’s re- States and internationally, the “good 100 local chapters in the United States quest to withdraw their support for news” of chastity is alive and well. and nearly a dozen more internation- the declaration, accusing him of “turn- “I am deeply grateful for the positive ally, each under the care of a Catholic ing his back” on “LGBT brothers and way that our priests have responded priest. The annual conference is a cen- sisters.” to my initiatives,” Bishop Olmsted tral event for Courage and EnCourage Undaunted, Bishop Olmsted wrote said. “Four of our priests have been members who come to hear presenta- and published in the diocesan newspa- directly involved with support for tions from fellow members, Church per a three-part series of articles titled, Courage; and many others offer sup- leaders, and professionals from the “The Blessing of the Chaste Life.” The port to members of Courage in their psychological and medical communi- sub-titles for each segment were “The individual parishes.” ties on the personal, spiritual, and psy- Call to Holiness of Homosexual Per- The men and women of Courage chological dimensions of life with SSA. sons,” “The Pastoral Care of Homosex- face a hostile world that tells them ho- Mass is celebrated daily, the sacrament ual Persons,” and “Difficulties Faced by mosexuality is all they have. In Cour- of reconciliation is available, and the Homosexual Persons.” age they find community, support, Eucharistic Adoration chapel draws Drawing upon Scripture and the Cat- and grace many thought they would large numbers of members throughout echism of the Catholic Church, Bishop Ol- never know. Some share their stories the conference. msted laid out a theological, spiritual, reluctantly, fearful of summoning One day is typically dedicated to a and practical framework for under- demons that await a chance to haunt special pastoral seminar that includes standing and ministering to those with them again.