PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland has announced that is forming a state chapter of an international ministry that supports people with what the church describes as same sex attraction.
The group known as Courage helps members live chaste lives in accordance with the church's teaching on homosexuality.
The diocese said in a statement that the support group was being launched in Maine at the request of people who sought the church's help.
Bishop Richard Malone said Thursday that the Rev. Kevin Martin from St. Michael Parish in Augusta has been appointed the chaplain for the ministry.
The Rev. Mark Doty, pastor of Hammond Street Congregational Church, who is gay, told the Bangor Daily News that it is "presumptuous and wrong-headed" to equate homosexuality with addictive behavior.
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