HONG KONG (UCAN) -- About 300 Religious and laypeople attended Hong Kong diocese's first-ever seminar to explore pastoral outreach to people with same-sex attraction.

The June 17-19 seminar on the topic "Homosexuality: Counselling And Pastoral Care From A Catholic Perspective" targeted counselors, Religious, social workers, teachers, parents and spouses of people with same-sex attraction.

In his opening remarks, Father Lawrence Lee Len, the diocesan chancellor, told participants that pastoral care for people with same-sex attraction is at the preliminary stage in the local Church. The diocese "needs more time and resources from outside" before planning any pastoral services, he said.

The seminar was conducted by Father John Harvey of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and Catholic psychologist Peter Rudegeair of the Courage ministry. Courage, based in New York, the United States, aims to help people with homosexual tendencies live in chastity. The Pontifical Council for the Family has endorsed the ministry.

Speaking from his experience dealing with people who struggle with same-sex attraction, Rudegeair said dysfunctional relationships with fathers and "poor body image" are main reasons why adolescents become homosexual.

He believes that portraying masculinity well during the early stages of child development could prevent a homosexual orientation. He also believes that people with same-sex attraction could be cured by therapy.

Father Harvey pointed out that homosexual inclination is not a sin but an "objective disorder." In his ministry, he said, he encourages Catholics with same-sex attraction to live a chaste life, develop a prayerful life and be loyal to Church teachings.

A parent asked during the question-and-answer session what could be done for his son, who has same-sex attraction. The parent was advised not to blame anyone, to listen to his son and not to forsake family harmony.

A pastoral worker from a secondary school told UCA News that while the diocese prepares pastoral services to "cure" people with same-sex attraction, youth workers should pay attention to prevention. "Sexual orientation is fluid during adolescence. Better education on sex and morality helps schoolchildren establish proper values," he said.

A young priest who wished not to be named told UCA News on June 21 that by listening to the speakers, he learned more about Catholics' various needs and how to deal with them. The priest also noted that in the past, it was mainly gay activists who brought the issue of homosexuality to public attention. In his view, it is time for more dialogue to enhance mutual understanding.

Father Lee told UCA News that in 2005, the diocese set up a preparatory working group on planning pastoral services for people with same-sex attraction. It comprises Religious, social workers and doctors.

After the seminar, Father Lee confirmed to UCA News that the diocese is inexperienced and lacks expertise in ministering to people with same-sex attraction. That is why it sought the help of an overseas Church-run organization that has pastoral experience, he said June 20.

According to Father Lee, the diocese has decided to develop the pastoral ministry because the mass media and public have shown increasing concern about the issue of same-sex attraction in recent years.

He also recalled that in 2003, a few non-Catholic gay activists protested against the Church during a Sunday Mass at the cathedral. Though it was a minor incident, Father Lee continued, the Church should not ignore the increasing need for an appropriate ministry, especially in Catholic schools and families that face the challenge of same-sex attraction among youngsters.

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(Accompanying photos available at here)