As the hymn O God Beyond All Praising echoes through the church, the atmosphere is bittersweet for marking the end of another annual Courage International conference.
It has been a few years since I attended the annual conference for the apostolate, where I worked as communications director from 2017 to 2021, but I still carry with me the stories of the men and women I encountered: a man who had returned to the Church after a long career as a gay porn actor, sharing his hymnal with another attendee. The talented youth director, fearful for her job if her connections with Courage were to come out, can finally relax and be herself.
Parents, estranged from a child who has chosen a same-sex relationship, can share their grief with other parents who understand; the college-age girl, wise beyond her years, speaks publicly and eloquently about how she navigates the complexities of same-sex attractions and faith.
The former male model, with a history of hundreds of same-sex encounters, prays with enviable reverence; the elderly gentleman, after the passing of his same-sex partner of many years, is faithfully committed to Courage’s mission.
The tight-knit group of wisecracking New Yorkers
