Catholic Church in Scotland promoting gay ‘cure’ group Courage

The Catholic Church in Scotland is under fire for promoting gay ‘cure’ therapy groups.

The Catholic Diocese of Paisley, led by Bishop John Keenan, is facing criticism for including several resources developed by advocates for gay ‘cure’ therapy on its website.

One pamphlet hosted on the church website, “Mom & Dad I’m Gay – How Should a Catholic Parents Respond,” encourages parents to pray for God to cure their children of homosexuality, and suggests they consider sending them for conversion therapy.

The resources refer parents to disgraced US-based gay ‘cure’ advocate group National Association for Research & Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH), which claims that homosexuality is a disorder caused by childhood sexual abuse.

The diocese also advertises a local Paisley branch of Courage International, a global Catholic gay ‘cure’ network that works with “men and women with same-sex attractions” to encourage them to “live chaste lives in accordance with the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality.”

The gay ‘cure’ pamphlet promoted by the Catholic Church in Scotland.

Founded in the US with heavy support from Catholic leaders, Courage models itself on an Alcoholics Anonymous-style programme that encourages gay people to abstain from all sexual activity.

The network maintains 153 branches across 14 countries, including three in Scotland and one in England.

Catholic gay ‘cure’ group Courage faced child sexual abuse scandal

In September, Courage admitted three of its former leaders were linked to child sexual abuse inside the church.

The three priests linked to Courage were named in a report from the Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro which detailed credible allegations of sexual abuse of children.

In a statement on its website Courage International denied it has received reports of abuse by the three priests, with executive Philip G. Bochanski insisting: “No reports have been made to me or to my staff alleging sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable adults by any clergy associated with [Courage].”