This article is an example of the mischief that ensues when “gay and lesbian” are given ontological status and a mindless reliance on the weasel-word “homosexuality”.

At first, the writer seemed able to distinguish between same-sex attraction and same-sex acts, but then slipped off the rails with this:

Nationally, there are several gay and lesbian ministries - some that accept gays and lesbians as they are, others like Courage that view homosexuality as a problem to be overcome.

As it happens, I met Fr. Harvey, the founder of Courage, about 20 years ago through a friend who was trying to organize a chapter.  He talked about the ministry side-stepping the whole “change” issue. The goal of his ministry was to help people live lives faithful to Christ. For some, that actually led to a psychological change, for most, it meant living celibate.  At least the reporter came back and let the priest make clear Courage isn’t pushing change.

Of course, the article finishes in the pure propaganda that drives the gay rights movement and we get exposed to a faux-catholic parish. What’s interesting is the picture of Courage is muddled by manipulative language, whereas we know exactly what goes on at the heretic parish.

Which is why “word matter”.

Words Matter, the heretic parish is a fully recognized Catholic parish in Northwest Raleigh which has long been known as a “gay-friendly” place.  (And also the one nearest to my house.)  It would be nice if the bishop were to take a look at its program and provide correction.  This article could have been worse, but I note that the new bishop is “walking in step with” the Vatican and “following the Vatican line.”  It’s the Catholic line, and that line is shared by the vast majority of Christian groups throughout the world.

My daughter saw this on the News & Observer website in Raleigh when it ran there.  She says the online comments section was filled with people railing against the “hate” the Courage program brings to the diocese.

WM, thanks for your words, and for “getting it.”  I actually don’t think I’ve ever heard a more concise summary of the problem, namely “‘gay and lesbian’ [being] given ontological status.”  It’s sad that even some of the clergy interviewed for this don’t get it.  And I can’t imagine anyone attending a Courage conference, or meeting Frs Harvey or Check, and finding them hateful.

Bishop Burbidge is a good and holy priest. I was just in Durham this weekend visiting my brother in law and went to Mass at the Cathedral in Raleigh. Bravo to Bishop Burbidge for following the Catholic line. Raleigh is a sound diocese with excellent leadership, but there are some questionable parishes out there. In addition to the one mentioned in the article, there is Holy Infant in Durham which is dreadful.

Yes, #4, that’s another on the list.  The previous bishop, there for decades, was a liberation theology type who spent Good Fridays marching in political protests.

Katherine,

Interesting local information. Most dioceses have a parish or several like describe. My first Catholic parish was one such, with this difference: it was kept relatively quiet. The priest never spoke publicly on the subject, though everyone knew… I suppose the obvious same-sex couples were a giveaway, not to mention the “Gay/Lesbian Outreach”, which was actually the local Dignity chapter.  Again, the trick is discretion: you can bet St. Francis of Assisi has set itself up for some closer inspection. 

Or not… you know, since the geographical parish system fell apart, parishes tend to become clubby ideological niche groups that can acquire self-protective financial and political clout sufficient to maintain it’s heresies.

Words Matter, sort of like TEC, in fact (clubby ideological niche groups).  Catholic parishes can also be ethnic niches, or what’s left of them (German, Irish, etc.).  Were I to consider converting, the parishes reasonably near me offer grim choices.  It will take a while to get over the last bishop’s influence.  I wish the diocese well; the TEC diocese is beyond the point of no return, and in Raleigh there is even a Baptist church with openly “gay” clergy.

I did hear Mass 12-13 years ago at Our Lady of Lourdes in Raleigh and it seemed solid (lousy architecture, but good community).  I know they have Perpetual Adoration. For Catholics, that’s a very good sign. http://www.ourladyoflourdescc.org/ 

Our diocese is not dissimilar: 25 years of a liberal bishop, now under a man doing a cleanup operation.  One of the Kansas City dioceses is going through that as well and who knows how many other places.

My diocese, the Diocese of Richmond, VA, is in a similar situation. Our current bishop, Bishop DiLorenzo, is struggling very hard with the legacy of a truly awful bishop, Bishop Sullivan, who was here for 30 years. The diocese is stacked with Sullivanites, who have worked to undermine Bishop DiLorenzo. This is the diocese remember where Catholic Charities funded an abortion for a minor (after having funded contraceptives for her). It will take a long time for the dead hand of the last three decades to be lifted.
Pray for us.