Archdiocese of Davao journeys with persons with same-sex attractions

The Archdiocese of Davao through the Archdiocesan Council of the Lay Apostolate and Integrated Movements (ACLAIM) has organized a conference on Pastoral Care for Persons with Same-Sex Attractions recently.

The conference, held October 26 at the Malayan College of Mindanao has gathered leaders and members of ACLAIM to listen to the talks about how the Church looks into the welfare of Persons with Same-Sex Attractions (PSA) or better known in the secular society as Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, Transgenders and Queers (LGBTQ).

The Episcopal Vicar for the Laity Fr. Marbendear L. Morallas said the Archdiocese is looking into the possibility of creating a ministry for the pastoral care for SSAs and organizing the said conference is a start.

The Family and Life Apostolate Director Fr. Orlando Angelia delivered a talk highlighting the teachings of the Catholic Church on homosexuality and how the Church should care for them.

He said that homosexuals are called to chastity too and self-mastery is needed to teach them inner freedom.

He added that through prayer and the sacraments, a person struggling with same-sex attraction can reach Christian perfection.

“Journey with them,” he said during his talk, adding that to accompany persons with same-sex attractions, the faithful should look into the following:

1) Do not condemn/judge, 2) Listen to them, 3) Be a friend, 4) Tell them of the ways of the Lord and 5) Pray with them.

Media personality Ansel Beluso, who in the past has been actively engaged in homosexual acts and now married to his wife and have three kids delivered and input about Understanding and Accompanying Persons with Same-Sex Attraction.

“Our God is the God of the impossible,” he said recounting his conversion story.

He said that every gay has his own story and journey, adding that: “Mahirap ang pinagdadaanan ng isang bakla.”

Edwin Valles, the president of Courage Philippines, an organization for the pastoral care for persons with same-sex attractions said that gays can change.

He said the change is not referring to a journey from homosexuality to heterosexuality but identifying one’s self.

He said through his own personal journey, persons with same-sex attractions should not be labeled as gays but children of God.

He also encouraged the faithful to see persons with same-sex attractions as who they really are and look into their wounds.

He added that the Church should be seen by persons with same-sex attractions like Jesus the Divine Healer who can heal their wounds.