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Letters Statements

What people are saying about LTAH series

“A wonderful resource.” Gay Man

“This is a great help to a friend’s mom who is struggling with her daughter’s orientation.” Religious sister

“The series is fabulous. I am thinking of e-mailing it to our church education leaders." Mother of gay son

“Really excellent.” Pastoral minister

“It is a marvelous summary that has
already proven very helpful for our own support group.” Priest/psychologist

“Readable, informative, positive.” Mother of gay son/co-founder parents support group

Mission Statement

Fortunate Families serves as a resource and networking ministry with Catholic parents of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children.

We promote and facilitate personal, meaningful, and respectful conversation, especially within our parishes and with our pastors and bishops. We stress the significance of our personal stories as a source of grace within our families and as a witness for justice in our civic and faith communities.

We hold fast to the truth that our children are, in the words of the United States bishops, “child[ren] of God, gifted and called for a purpose in God’s design.” Always our Children 1997-1998

Let's Talk About Homosexuality

An 8-part Catholic conversation. . .

for anyone personally touched by homosexuality…or for anyone wanting to know more about this orientation and how it can influence our lives and affect our faith.

Permission is granted for you to download and print this copyrighted series for your personal use, for parish study groups, for adult education programs, for ministry support, for future reference.

The series was created by Jerry Furlong, father of a gay son. The readings are organized by “weeks,” rather than by chapters because the series was written as an adult education program to be placed on a parish website over a period of eight successive weeks.

See the panel at the left for a few of the many favorable comments we have received from our website readers. Then check out this highly informative and fascinating discussion for yourself. Each week is available for downloading as an Adobe Acrobat file. Your comments on the series are welcome.

Week 1: Common Questions about Homosexuality
The Basic Stuff
Scientific Perspectives

Week 2: Common Questions about Homosexuality
Social Perspectives
Family Perspectives

Week 3: Putting a Human Face on Homosexuality
Parents Talk of Their Experience

Week 4: Putting a Human Face on Homosexuality
Gay and Lesbian Persons Talk of Their Experience

Week 5: Moral and Pastoral Considerations
What the Church Teaches

Week 6: Moral and Pastoral Considerations
Other Catholic Voices: So What Are We To Do?
The Role of Conscience

Week 7: Moral and Pastoral Considerations
Other Catholic Voices: Shared Thoughts on Vatican Documents

Week 8: Moral and Pastoral Considerations
Other Catholic Voices:
The Question of “Finality”
“A Biblical Understanding”
Can Teaching Change?
One Last Question

Permission is granted to download and print this copyrighted series. Your comments on the series are welcome.