What to do? Seminarian applicants

must be screened for problematic same-sex urges. Already ordained priests

struggling with same sex attractions must be given the opportunity to

participate in a Courage chapter in their diocese.

Founded by Fr. John Harvey

in 1980, Courage is the only Vatican approved ministry to homosexuals

(www.couragerc.net). Courage assists gay Catholics in leading fulfilled

chaste lives in accordance with the Catholic Church's teachings. Its sister

ministry, Encourage, supports parents of children living in the homosexual

lifestyle.

Although Courage has a successful

history of assisting homosexual and lesbian Catholics, Courage support

groups are discouraged in some dioceses in favor of gay-affirming ministries

that ignore chastity. How then are gay clergy and laity expected to refrain

from homosexual behavior when there is no support group in their diocese?

It is time for us Catholics

to clean up each one of our dioceses. Demand from your pastor and bishop

a Courage chapter in your church. Our children and gay brethren deserve

no less.

Regina Griggs

Executive Director

Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays

& Gays

Box 561

Fort Belvoir, VA 22060