Courage International, Inc. is an apostolate of the Catholic Church that offers pastoral support to men and women experiencing same-sex attractions who have chosen to live a chaste life. Founded in 1980 by Father John Harvey, OSFS, at the request of the late Cardinal Terence Cooke, it has since expanded to over 175 Courage chapters worldwide.
On Nov. 28, 2016, Courage International received canonical status in the Roman Catholic Church as a diocesan clerical public association of the faithful, making it the only canonically approved apostolate of its kind.
There are five goals of Courage for all members to strive for:
- To live chaste lives in accordance with the Roman Catholic Church’s teaching on homosexuality (chastity);
- To dedicate our entire lives to Christ through service to others, spiritual reading, prayer, meditation, individual spiritual direction, frequent attendance at Mass, and the frequent reception of the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist (prayer and dedication);
- To foster a spirit of fellowship in which we may share with one another our thoughts and experiences, and so ensure that no one will have to face the problems of homosexuality alone (fellowship);
- To be mindful of the truth that chaste friendships are not only possible but necessary in a chaste Christian life; and to encourage one another in forming and sustaining these friendships (support);
- To live lives that may serve as good examples to others (good example/role model).
- To learn more about local Courage meetings, contact the new local chaplain of Courage, Father Vince Nguyen, at courage@columbuscatholic.org.