Recent statements in the press, and during a debate on May 2, 2018 in the Seanad, suggest that Courage International endorses and/or provides so-called “conversion therapy.”
Courage International does not provide, refer for, or require any form of therapy for its members.
The first goal of the members of Courage is “to live chaste lives in accordance with the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church” regarding sexuality in general, and homosexuality in particular. The Catholic Church teaches that all persons are called to chastity, whether they are married, single, ordained, consecrated, or lay.
According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), “chastity means the successful integration of sexuality within the person and thus the inner unity of man in his bodily and spiritual being”. The obligation to live chastely applies to persons who do not experience same-sex attractions equally to those who do.
As a public association of the Christian faithful, with statutes and leadership approved by ecclesiastical authority, Courage International assists same-sex attracted men and women over the age of 18 who, of their own accord, have made the decision to live the virtue of chastity in accordance with the Catholic Church’s teaching.
The Courage apostolate takes seriously the CCC’s teaching that persons who experience same-sex attraction “must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided.” Equally, we echo the Congregation of the Doctrine of the Faith’s declaration: “It is deplorable that homosexual persons have been and are the object of violent malice in speech or in action. Such treatment deserves condemnation from the Church’s pastors wherever it occurs. It reveals a kind of disregard for others which endangers the most fundamental principles of a healthy society. The intrinsic dignity of each person must always be respected in word, in action and in law.”
More information regarding the approach and practices of Courage International may be found on the “Frequently Asked Questions” page at couragerc.org/faqs/
Media contact:
Ann Schneible, director of communications
communications@couragerc.org
Office: +1 (203) 916-1156