In Toledo, the Courage network operates with a clear aim: to offer spiritual guidance and pastoral companionship for individuals drawn to the same sex. A regional leadership group coordinates the work under the auspices of the local Archdiocese, and since 2019 Courage has maintained a formal connection with Courage International in the United States. The core objective is to provide direction and support to people and families dealing with same-sex attraction, framed by Catholic teaching and pastoral care as understood by its leadership, and presented in a way that emphasizes faith-based discernment over coercion.
A published manual for clergy outlines how volunteers and priests can assist people who identify as gay and address related family dynamics. The document notes the involvement of psychology professionals at times but does not advocate medical or therapeutic treatments intended to change sexual orientation. The emphasis is on spiritual repair and a warning about perceived risks associated with same-sex attraction, presented within a framework of moral reflection and care (Attribution: Archdiocese-affiliated materials).
Consistency of Faith
The organization presents its approach as an invitation for individuals to engage with Jesus and discern their personal path. It asserts that Catholic Christianity honors freedom of conscience and that acts described as faithful gestures do not amount to pressuring individuals who experience same-sex attraction. The materials indicate that feelings should not automatically be labeled as sinful, while also noting a measured portrayal of these feelings to avoid controversy (Attribution: Courage materials).
A screenshot from the Archdiocese of Toledo site shows Courage activities listed with an open status, reflecting ongoing collaboration between Courage and church leadership in the region (Attribution: Archdiocese screenshot).
Avoiding Harm
The materials emphasize that spiritual directors should acknowledge inner conflicts and the potential effects of such conflicts on both young people and adults with same-sex attraction. The documents discuss theories about the origins of same-sex attraction, citing psychological factors and family dynamics, and they touch on health concerns in the broader context of sexual well-being.
In discussions concerning lesbian women, the materials reference studies that examine patterns of abuse and related factors within larger research conversations. The presentation frames health and safety as integral to spiritual guidance rather than separate from it (Attribution: Courage materials).
Two Groups and Meetings
There are parallel pastoral tracks: one for individuals with same-sex attraction and another for relatives and supporters. Each stream uses a structured outline and aims for weekly or monthly gatherings. A staged entry process is described where newcomers participate in several sessions before deciding if the path aligns with their needs. Guidelines for sharing experiences emphasize sensitivity to the audience and the avoidance of explicit details about locations or online resources (Attribution: Courage program).
Relatives and friends may join separate sessions. The roadmap suggests families can meet on a monthly basis, balancing personal disclosure with respect for other participants and the overall community tone (Attribution: Courage program).
In the Name of God
The movement presents itself as welcoming to people with homosexual tendencies while advocating for respect and mercy. It acknowledges discrimination and violence in society and outlines its stance on the intersection of faith and sexuality. The materials affirm that the gospel calls for compassion while maintaining a traditional understanding of sexuality and moral life (Attribution: Courage materials).
Guidance for Relatives
The handbook described as essential for clergy and lay supporters discusses how families can respond with understanding. It encourages expressions of love while carefully navigating conversations about identity. The guidance emphasizes avoiding actions that would signal approval of relationships that should be explored through spiritual discernment (Attribution: Courage handbook).
Some sections discuss possible early attachments or experiences as factors related to male homosexuality and offers sample approaches for addressing spouses of individuals with same-sex attraction. It suggests courteous gestures that acknowledge the relationship without signaling full endorsement, and it touches on hospitality and privacy in family settings, including careful handling of housing arrangements when couples share spaces (Attribution: Courage handbook).
Be mindful Around Children
The materials encourage families and caregivers to maintain respectful boundaries when children are present. They advocate protecting younger relatives from potential confusion and adjusting conversations about relationships around minors, while honoring the beliefs of the family and community (Attribution: Courage guidelines).
Weddings and Participation
The chaplains’ handbook advises Catholics and their families to consider not attending weddings that would violate canonical norms. The reasoning centers on avoiding participation that could be interpreted as endorsement of a relationship outside Church teaching and the risk of causing confusion about faith and morality. It notes that even nonendorsing participation could be misconstrued as approval, and it urges avoidance of scenarios that might lead to scandal (Attribution: Courage guidelines).
Not a Sect
When a family member steps away from traditional parental or familial expectations, the guidance recommends maintaining dialogue while respecting the individual’s autonomy. It describes a posture of faith that honors parental love without coercion and recognizes that some relationships may require boundaries. The Courage Toledo spokesperson characterizes a broad apostolic scope, noting freedom within the faith and a lack of a rigid rule that would force attendance at events opposing personal beliefs (Attribution: Courage Toledo statement).
Gender Identity Considerations
Beyond same-sex attraction, Courage and Encourage indicate a wider pastoral interest in gender identity matters. They describe a view that recognizing and accepting one’s sexual identity is linked to spiritual responsibility. The stance emphasizes the belief that God created each person as male or female and frames acceptance of one’s identity as part of following God’s design (Attribution: Courage materials).
Images accompanying the materials depict individuals connected to LGBTQ+ topics, underscoring Courage’s real-world engagement in diverse contexts. The content highlights that spiritual work covers a spectrum of expressions and outreach across regions (Attribution: Courage visuals).
Prayers and Fasting
The public materials state that sexual attraction does not justify moral approval for acts. They outline practices such as prayer chains, fasting, and virtual pilgrimages as parts of their spiritual discipline. The overarching aim is to align personal life with Church teachings while preserving pastoral care for those involved in Courage’s work (Attribution: Courage practices).
Both Courage International and the Archdiocese of Toledo have participated in ongoing dialogue about these issues, with Courage offering its perspective as part of a broader conversation about faith, sexuality, and family life (Attribution: Church dialogue records).