Catholic 12-step program for gays?

Question

I was wondering what Catholics and others on here feel about this. Thanks in advance for all respectful, wise answers.

The Catholic Diocese of Colorado Springs is borrowing a page from Alcoholics Anonymous by launching a 12-step program that offers pastoral care and support for homosexuals.

“It’s not about therapy and not about activism,” said the Rev. Larry Brennan, diocese director of priest formation. “It’s about support.”

The Catholic Church views homosexual relations as a sin, but not homosexual thoughts. It expects those with same-sex attraction to be celibate.

“The exercise of sexuality is reserved for marriage, and that can only happen between a man and a woman,” Brennan said.

Jim Fitzgerald, executive director of Call to Action, a national progressive Catholic group headquartered in Chicago, is skeptical of Twelve Steps of Courage because he contends homosexuality isn’t sinful.

“It restricts people’s freedom to be the kind of person they were created to be,” Fitzgerald said of Courage.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

step 1 : gay is normal
repeat for 1 through 12

step 13: Ignorant people think differently

? · Answer

The teaching of the Catholic Church is that sex is intended by God to be exercised only within a marriage between one man and one woman. All sexual activity outside of marriage is sinful, regardless of whether the person is attracted to persons of the same sex or not. 

Please note that it is the activity that is sinful, not the attractions themselves, which the person may not be able to control.

But with the help of grace, we don't have to blindly follow our impulses but can practice the virtue of chastity.

The Courage program uses 12 steps, but adapted in a spiritual way to Catholic teachings.

Jim Fitzgerald's opinion is not the teaching of the Catholic Church.

Pirate AM™ · Answer

While the AA program works for many, it does make some incorrect assumptions, however there has not ever been an effective way of changing sexual preference as there is nothing "wrong" with the person.

Anonymous · Answer

I dont hold out much hope for it to be honest, given the said organizations lack of ability to handle its pedophile problem in the priesthood

Anonymous · Answer

This is the kind of bullshit responsible for pushing homosexuals toward suicide.

metalhead · Answer

What has this world come to?

Anonymous · Answer

Live and let live

☮ Pangel ☮ · Answer

they really only need one step

1. pretend

Hippie Tree Hugger · Answer

LMAO

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Catholic 12-step program for gays?

9 Answers