“I realized I needed to think about how to leave priesthood—if it was even possible.” — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“It was sympathy to them, not empathy. I had to remain silent out of fear of discovery and, as such, being fired… — Charles Benedict Fear Copy Share Image
“As the trimester wound to a close with no apparent success, our spiritual directors laid down the law and told us we… — Charles Benedict Religion Copy Share Image
“You’re like a twelve-year-old-boy who doesn’t know what he wants to do.” — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“What part of that last sentence is consistent with what homosexuality is today? I’ll tell you…none of it.” — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“I can’t help but wonder if my life would have turned out differently if I had the chance to spread my wings… — Charles Benedict Family Copy Share Image
“In early January 2002, when Rev. James Porter and Rev. John Geoghan abuse cases appeared on the headlines of the Boston Globe,… — Charles Benedict Beyond belief Copy Share Image
“It was wonderful to see Reese after almost five years. We spent the better part of an afternoon and evening together and… — Charles Benedict Brothers and sisters Copy Share Image
“they were happy I was choosing to be happy because they could tell I was unhappy.” — Charles Benedict Happiness Copy Share Image
“We had to have conversations about ensuring our focus was always on Christ and his teens because I was not running a… — Charles Benedict Communication Copy Share Image
“Most priests hate weddings. Early on, they warned me that brides can be the most difficult people on the planet to work… — Charles Benedict Difficult people Copy Share Image
“I like to think I had an out-of-body experience, but really I imagined myself being an outsider who observed the dinner conversation… — Charles Benedict Another year Copy Share Image
“It was Tanner, the third guy, who snuck into my heart and became my third boyfriend.” — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“That’s when I finally quit. I don’t know if Lance quit, but I was done. The last thing I needed to do… — Charles Benedict Another man Copy Share Image
“My conservative group of friends, whom I trusted through Lance, strangely accepted that we were gay and deep in the closet and… — Charles Benedict Group of friends Copy Share Image
“Along the growing struggle of accepting my sexuality, the growing struggle of dealing with loneliness became insurmountable.” — Charles Benedict Loneliness Copy Share Image
“Reese was the boy I explored my sexuality with in sophomore year and I fell in love with him.” — Charles Benedict Love Copy Share Image
“The venerable goal of openness and communication to integrate celibacy had been taken away from us and replaced with threats of witch… — Charles Benedict Communication Copy Share Image
“When it seems the gods demand a sacrifice, patience and prudence always promote a well-thought stronger response over an in-the-moment reaction.” — Charles Benedict Patience Copy Share Image
“Hi Chuck,” a familiar voice said. “It’s your Uncle Eduard calling. I’m the next person in charge at the diocese right now.… — Charles Benedict Right now Copy Share Image
“After all, I had a four-year bachelor’s degree and a five-year master’s degree—albeit in Divinity. I was well-educated and I could contribute… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“Fortunately, I was not alone: I had my husband at my side.” — Charles Benedict Marriage Copy Share Image
“I realized too late in my religious career how that simple phrase often served as an effective means of keeping me from… — Charles Benedict Religion Copy Share Image
“When you leave for seminary in a few weeks, I hope to have convinced you of how much I love you.” — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
