Father Gordon Mann, the pastor of St. Mary parish in Evansville, Indiana, told Rainbow Catholics in Christ  (RCC) they could no longer hold their monthly meetings at the parish in which they have held them for 12 years unless they change their teaching to encourage chastity and the dedication to “genuine Catholic spirituality”.

In a letter sent to the group by Mann, the Priest indicated the group could stay but only if they conform to the approved Catholic model used by the group Courage/Encourage.

Courage “helps” people who “struggle” with same-sex attraction (SSA) to live according to Catholic moral teaching. It encourages chastity, dedication to genuine Catholic spirituality and the frequent reception of the sacraments of confession and the Holy Eucharist. It also inspires members to help others struggling with SSA and to give a good example.

Rainbow Catholics in Christ  (RCC) group’s leader, Wally Paynter, maintains “spiritual and psychological harm” would be done to members if they followed the Church-approved Courage/Encourage guidelines.

The RCC has been pushing for people to accept homosexuality, which the Catholic Church teaches is “intrinsically disordered.” People who speak at RCC functions include members of New Ways Ministry, a dissident Catholic group that has been censured by several American bishops and the Vatican. Among other things, they support Catholic acceptance of homosexual activity.

A parishioner and member of RCC complained that up to now, St. Mary’s “has been known as a safe space for all people, including LGBT+ Catholics. This is no longer the case.” She also maintains the group has operated “openly for 12 years with the knowledge and consent of multiple pastors”

Please free to contact Father Mann at the address/phone below and let your feelings be known.

Rev. Gordon Mann
St Mary’s Catholic Church
613 Cherry St
Evansville, Indiana 47713

(812) 425-1577