"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.
COMPANIONS ON THE JOURNEY
The following individuals - with their books, blogs, and speaking engagements - represent a variety of perspectives from their own experience. All the writers below are Christians affirming a traditional sexual ethic. With the exception of several collectives, they are listed in alphabetical order.
DESIRE OF THE EVERLASTING HILLS
Film featuring three stories
Film featuring stories & Catholic doctrine
Ecumenical blogging collective
Canadian Writer & Speaker
Author of Single, Gay and Christian
Blogger & author of I Desired You
Blogger
Co-Founder of Spiritual Friendship, author of Washed and Waiting and Spiritual Friendship
Speaker & author of Why I Don't Call Myself Gay
Author of In Pursuit: Confession of a Gay Catholic Teenager
Blogger & author of Experience Me
Speaker & author of Gay & Catholic
Podcast & online community
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.
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
Resources and workshops for families and ministry leaders
Pastoral support for parents rooted in a Roman Catholic perspective
Intensive sexual integrity local support group series, Biblically-based.
Biblically-based small group ministry based in the St. Louis area
Biblically-based resources for families and ministry leaders
INSTITUTE FOR THE STUDY OF SEXUAL IDENTITY
Counseling and psychological resources from a traditional Christian perspective
Biblically-based resources for youth workers
Inter-denominational Christian conference
THEOLOGY OF THE BODY INSTITUTE
Ongoing formation in anthropology and sexuality
THEOLOGICAL & PASTORAL RESOURCES
We believe there are doctrinal truths that are a settled matter. However, the best ways to invite other people from a variety of backgrounds to encounter these truths are a matter of robust conversation in the Christian space. These resources are subdivided by source and topic.
PASTORAL CARE TO HOMOSEXUAL PERSONS
A 1986 document from the Roman Catholic Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith
MINISTRY TO PERSONS WITH A HOMOSEXUAL INCLINATION
A 2006 document from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
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 blog and ministry by author & speaker Ty Wyss
A Christian pastor's guide produced by Lead Them Home
A resource for youth ministers by psychologist Dr. Mark Yarhouse
THE HEART OF FEMALE SAME SEX ATTRACTION
A counseling resource by Dr. Janelle Hallman of Desert Hope
ADDITIONAL 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 resources on LGBT+ questions for teens and youth ministers