Family & Life Ministry Launches SSA Series with Courage Talk

January 20 saw the CTK Family & Life Ministry stage the ‘Pastoral Accompaniment for Persons Experiencing Same Sex Attraction’. The talk was given by Brother Edwin Valles, President of Courage Philippines, a Catholic apostolate for persons experiencing same sex attraction, from 10 to 12 noon at St. Luke Room.

Brother Edwin began by addressing the concept of ‘identity’. He began with obvious truths, e.g., ‘every person is a child of God, made in his image and likeness’; ‘one’s sexual attraction is only a part of who they are and not the basis for their identity’; ‘ergo, persons are to be loved.’ He also argued that all persons have sinful inclinations but they are never the person. The Church rejects sinful actions but sinners are always invited to God’s mercy through the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

The first thing to do is to listen to their stories, Brother Edwin advised. It is not enough for the pastor, the parent or the concerned elder to tell the person experiencing same sex attraction to stop committing homosexual acts but to also help them heal from their underlying cause. The second prescription is to offer true friendship. This includes being a positive gender role model, affirming their masculinity or femininity, and offering real connections.

Religion is the third leg. ‘The person with SSA should be introduced to God and made to experience that the Word of God is alive in their lives,’ Brother Edwin prescribed. The concerned elder should help them grow in Sacramental Life. And if they already have devotion, it can be used as a platform to deepen in faith and grow in virtue.

And the fourth and final component, according to Brother Edwin, is the universal call to chastity. Self chastity can free a person from being a slave of his passion and appetite and help avoid having to lead a double life. More importantly, it should be pointed out that all sexual acts outside the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman is not in accordance to God’s design and intent.

The opening prayer was delivered by Edwin Bernardo, closing prayer given by Aji Rualo, and emcee chores handled by Louie Padrinao. Fr. Steve Zabala took time off from his busy schedule to give the Welcome Remarks.