In an effort to bring “hope, clarity and understanding to this topic and the Church,” Dr. Bob Schuchts and Jake Khym, MA, two Catholic therapists with decades of experience between them, have released a six part series on their “Restore the Glory” podcast discussing same-sex attraction, considering it from a Catholic perspective.
The two therapists share that they “have seen this topic impact many people who are trying to navigate this conversation well.” Throughout their conversation, which includes various guest speakers, they aspire to “be sensitive and use great reverence toward the people that this directly affects, including our listeners.” The discussion that follows sheds light on the difficult topic and can be a major help for Catholics to engage others about same-sex attraction.
Church teaching remains clear, though cultural norms have continued to shift, which makes this sort of conversation all the more timely and important. Catholics ought to remember that “under no circumstances can [homosexual actions] be approved,” and that “The number of men and women who have deep-seated homosexual tendencies is not negligible. This inclination, which is objectively disordered, constitutes for most of them a trial. They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. These persons are called to fulfill God’s will in their lives and, if they are Christians, to unite to the sacrifice of the Lord’s Cross the difficulties they may encounter from their condition.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2357-2358).
As the Church considers ways to support her children who experience same-sex attraction, who are called to chastity as all are, conversations like these must continue to occur so that Catholics who experience same-sex attraction might “gradually and resolutely approach Christian perfection” through “the virtues of self-mastery that teach them inner freedom, at times by the support of disinterested friendship, by prayer and sacramental grace” (Catechism of the Catholic Church 2359).
In the midst of such a discussion, tensions can rise, but Schuchts and Khym seek to approach the topic with love and charity, as well as humility in the pursuit of truth, all while remembering “The depths of the human heart are holy ground.” Their conversation serves as a resource for Catholics to engage the topic of same-sex attraction from a Catholic perspective with an eye towards hope, clarity and understanding.
To listen to the podcast series, check out the links below.