Vatican Approves Ex-Gays as Seminarians, Former Homosexuals Can Become Priests

WASHINGTON, Nov. 30 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The Vatican has issued a document approving former homosexuals as seminarians for the priesthood. The document, titled "Instruction Concerning the Criteria of Vocational Discernment," requires that seminarian candidates be free from homosexual tendencies for at least three years.

"The ex-gay community is grateful to the Holy Father for recognizing that men who have overcome same sex attractions are capable of serving as priests," said Regina Griggs, executive director of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays (PFOX). "All mainstream mental health organizations agree that individuals with unwanted same sex attractions have the right to seek therapy to explore developing heterosexual feelings as part of every client's right to self-determination. No one is born with same sex attractions."

"I am grateful to the Catholic Church for its commitment and compassion to homosexual Catholics," said Griggs, a Catholic. "Many dioceses across this country have implemented a Courage chapter for their gay brethren. Courage assists Catholics with homosexual desires to lead fulfilled chaste lives or to move beyond homosexual attractions towards heterosexual development."

Contact: Regina Griggs of Parents and Friends of Ex-Gays & Gays(PFOX), 804-453-4737, www.pfox.org

Founded in 1998, PFOX is a non-profit organization providing outreach, education, and public awareness in support of families and friends of gays and ex-gays