While the state of Connecticut recognizes same-sex marriages, the Catholic church does not and the Archdiocese of Hartford plans to create a local chapter of the organization that it says “ministers to people with same-sex attraction.“
The national organization is called “COURAGE” and its view is that homosexual attractions or feelings are not a sin, but homosexual acts are.
The organization supports men and women “who struggle with homosexual tendencies” and motivates them to “live chaste and fruitful lives in accordance with Catholic Church teachings.”
“These are people in the Catholic Church who need our care and love. In some cases, they have been rejected by society,” Deacon Robert M. Pallotti, director of the Office of Diaconate, said. “They need to be accepted, affirmed and supported as Roman Catholics trying to remain faithful to Church teaching.”
Father Paul Check, a priest from the Diocese of Bridgeport, is the current director of COURAGE and the central office is based in Norwalk.
“Through support and spiritual intervention, we can help people with same-sex attraction lead moral and fulfilling lives,” said Pallotti. “These people are hurting and so are their families. Doing nothing would be a lack of compassion.”
