"An authentic moralization of social life will never be possible unless it starts with people
and has people as its point of reference."
| Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church 134 |
Hey there! Whoa hold on…you can take a seat.
Breathe in deep. Let the breath out.
Try that again.
We know you’ve been scouring the internet for answers.
Your brother
Your best friend
Your favorite student
Your niece
Your father
Your old friend from high school
Your co-worker
You
So we pulled together a few things you might like.
A NOTE ON OUR SELECTIONS
Eden Invitation stands firmly in the Catholic-Christian teaching of a traditional sexual ethic. This affirms that sacramental marriage is between one man and one woman, and that sexual expression should be reserved within this covenantal relationship. For our full statement of belief, see our About Us page. We stand in joyful obedience to the Magisterium.
We omit resources, organizations, or thinkers who advocate for a fundamental change in the Christian view of marriage or sexual expression. We avoid resources that overtly contradict or unnecessarily obfuscate essential teachings on sacramental marriage, sexual expression, or Christian anthropology.
We also recognize that pastoral care for persons on the LGBT+ spectrum is - practically speaking - a work in progress across all Christian denominations. We have done our best to compile a varied list of resources, organizations, and individual thinkers responding to this concern in the Body of Christ. Eden Invitation respects the contributions to these "front line" pastoral approaches and seeks to learn from that which is in alignment with our Catholic faith. Inclusion of other resources from persons and organizations does not imply endorsement of all content.
THEOLOGICAL TEACHING
The following are authoritative texts from the Roman Catholic Church.
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
An authoritative summary of Catholic doctrine (see paragraphs 2357-2359)
PASTORAL CARE TO HOMOSEXUAL PERSONS
A 1986 document from the Roman Catholic Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
A 2003 document from the Roman Catholic Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith...with a much longer title
A 2019 document from the Roman Catholic Congregation for Catholic Education
MINISTRY TO PERSONS WITH A HOMOSEXUAL INCLINATION
A 2006 document from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
MINISTRY ORGANIZATIONS
These organizations offer opportunities for connections, community, and personal growth for people experiencing same sex desires. Several are geared towards family, friends, and/or ministry workers. These organizations are listed in alphabetical order. Catholic entities are designated accordingly.
A Roman Catholic apostolate offering retreats, conferences, and regional support groups, as well a parent's ministry, Encourage
THE CENTER FOR FAITH, SEXUALITY, AND GENDER
Christian resources and workshops for families and ministry leaders
Christian resources for churches and families
Christian counseling support for parents
Intensive Christian sexual integrity local support group series
INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF SEXUAL IDENTITY
Counseling and psychological resources from a traditional Christian perspective
Christian resources for churches and families
Inter-denominational Christian conference
THEOLOGY OF THE BODY INSTITUTE
Catholic formation retreats in anthropology and sexuality
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Check out these resources for further reading in a variety of areas.
A published collection of Catholic essays edited by Dr. Janet E. Smith & Fr. Paul Check
HOMOSEXUALITY AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Perspectives from Courage founder Fr. John Harvey laid out in Q&A format
An accessible text explaining Catholic teaching by Fr. Mike Schmitz
A Christian pastor's guide produced by Lead Them Home
A resource for youth ministers by psychologist Dr. Mark Yarhouse
MOM, DAD, I'M GAY: HOW SHOULD A CATHOLIC PARENT RESPOND
Downloadable PDF from Catholic therapist David Prosen
RESOURCE COLLECTIONS
A pastoral resource collection managed by Courage International
Offers a transgender resource collection compiled from theological, scientific, legal, and cultural perspectives
Offers pastoral and cultural resources curated by Catholic chastity speaker Jason Evert and his team
Offers Catholic resources on LGBT+ questions for teens and youth ministers, including the biographical book In Pursuit.
COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY
The following individuals - with their books, blogs, and speaking engagements - represent a variety of perspectives from their own experience. All are Christians committed to chastity and affirm a traditional sexual ethic. They are listed in alphabetical order.
DESIRE OF THE EVERLASTING HILLS
Catholic film featuring three stories
Ecumenical blogging collective
Film featuring stories & Catholic doctrine
Catholic Canadian Writer & Speaker
Christian Co-Founder of Spiritual Friendship, author of Washed and Waiting and Spiritual Friendship
Christian speaker and author of Impossible Marriage
Catholic author of Why I Don't Call Myself Gay
Catholic blogger & author of Experience Me
Catholic peaker & author of Gay & Catholic
Catholic speaker and author of Restless Heart
