They would appreciate hearing from priests who would be willing to help, particularly with hearing confessions. Suitable priests would be orthodox, in complete accord with the teaching of the magisterium on sexual ethics, and capable of showing that compassion and sensitivity which is called for by the Catechism (2358.) If any priest is interested in being on the list of chaplains to EnCourage, please send your details to encouragelondon@yahoo.co.uk.
The Goals of EnCourage are:
- To live chaste lives in accordance with the Roman Catholic Church's teaching on homosexuality.
- To dedicate our entire lives to Christ through service to others, spiritual reading, prayer, meditation, individual spiritual direction, frequent attendance at Mass, and the frequent reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist.
- To foster a spirit of fellowship in which we may share with one another our thoughts and experiences and so ensure that none of us have to face the problems of homosexuality alone.
- To be mindful of the truth that chaste friendships are not only possible but necessary in chaste Christian life - to encourage one another in forming and sustaining them.
- To live lives that may serve as good examples to others.
9 comments:
Well done, Father.
I believe EnCourage is geared towards the family members and friends of those who experience same-sex attraction; Encourage being to Courage what AlAnon is to AA.
Is there not a danger in this? Does it not function as a virtual dating agency? Who is more likely to be attracted to a pious person with a homosexual orientation than...another pious person with a homosexual orientation? I know it's obviously much better than meeting at a "gay" bar, but still I wonder about the wisdom of the venture. But I am open to correction/enlightenment by those who have experience of this, which I don't.
It would indeed be prudent to take such a danger into account but I think that the danger is minimised and the benefits of receiving sound advice and the sacrament of penance.
The opportunity to benefit from the experience of others who are trying to live according to the Church's teaching mean that any such risk is in due proportion to the good that can be done.
This is fantastic news.
I’m reminded of Frederick Ozanam who rose to the challenge, “What is your church doing for the poor? Show us your works and we’ll believe you.” Or to give another example: there’s no point in saying that abortion is wrong without giving practical support and help to women tempted to abort.
I admire Mall’s honesty to be open enough to “correction/enlightenment”.
Fear not, Mall. One of the excellent points about this venture is that it looks like rightly, correctly recognising that not all gays are amorally promiscuous; that many sincerely struggle in great loneliness to live the good life.
I recently interviewed a transsexual for a magazine. I was deeply moved and impressed by this person’s life long battle to do and live what it is right amidst great loneliness, misunderstanding and thoughtless, sometimes cruel, assumptions.
As I look around my parish Mass, I sometimes wonder what people’s stories are. Some on the surface appear to have it all – a happy marriage, healthy children who like, as well as love their siblings and parents. But who knows? We all need forgiveness and support.
Father Tim,
Would you consider publicising this surprising news from Scotland:
Dirty Tricks from the Scottish Government?
Despite assurances to the Scottish Catholic Parliamentary Office that the current 14-week consultation on same-sex 'marriage' would be a "Scottish one", it appears that groups campaigning for the redefinition of marriage in Scotland have been told that the Government will take into account submissions from outside of Scotland!
I believe that it is what is commonly called "changing the goalposts"!
Can I ask your readers, of their charity, to consider submitting a response to the Scottish Government disagreeing with their push to redefine marriage in Scotland to include homosexual unions?
Details can be found via the link posted above.
Thank you!
HAve you considered applying for the role yourself, Father?
thomasdeaquino - many thanks. Have posted.
Mark - I can't take on the role single-handed: my other commitments would make that irresponsible and I would end up letting people down. But I am certainly willing to be part of a list of chaplains who can be available from time to time. I led a Day of Recollection for Encourage before, many years ago and am more than happy to help out when I can.
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