“He reminded me that I was not the first priest to acknowledge his sexuality and that despite the Vatican’s stance, a chaste… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“When the switch in my mind finally flipped in early February 2009, I told Shane that I was leaving the priesthood. When… — Charles Benedict Psychology Copy Share Image
“How is the homosexual person, whom God created in his and her image, supposed to accept this teaching from the Church when… — Charles Benedict Ability to love Copy Share Image
“I fell head-over-heels in love with Lance in the middle of first theology. Like others before me, I fell in love in… — Charles Benedict First boyfriend Copy Share Image
“At that point in time, the need to be myself had become a competing desire with my priesthood, but I didn’t quite… — Charles Benedict Time Copy Share Image
“If there was Altar Server training to do, I was ready to help. Exciting, right? It was for me.” — Charles Benedict Fitness Copy Share Image
“(My trust-in-God issues were about accepting who he created me to be, not about hiding in the priesthood.)” — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“Though it pains me to write this, I knew that if I wrote to the Holy Father and told him I was… — Charles Benedict Parenting Copy Share Image
“I think my parents were overjoyed to see the wonder in my eyes because it reassured them that I was on track… — Charles Benedict Parenting Copy Share Image
“Growing up, there were Catholics and (gasp) non-Catholics, such as Protestants.” — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“I realized I did not want to be in a relationship with her. Hindsight and growth allow me to realize that my… — Charles Benedict Psychology Copy Share Image
“As a gay man, the Church oppressed me and I walked willingly into its repressive and controlling arms. As a gay man,… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“I did not return to that beach until after I had come out, but I always remembered the laugh I shared when… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“I knew early on I liked Ray, but I didn’t know why. I platonically crushed on him from a distance throughout grade… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“Am I really going to hell for being gay?” Or, “I have a lot of lesbian thoughts in my head. Does that… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“I’ll always know the Power of God did something amazing through me that day.” — Charles Benedict God Copy Share Image
“I shared my feelings, the past six months of reflection, and my ultimate decision to leave, come out of the closet, and… — Charles Benedict Life Copy Share Image
“Fr. Norman prayed over me and delivered many spirits and demons from my body, and although I became happier, but the gay… — Charles Benedict Copy Share Image
“It was only months after my time with Haaken that I realized he also didn’t care whether I was gay or not.… — Charles Benedict Family Copy Share Image
“Then he slowly came out, fearing repercussions from his family and friends. I can’t imagine how difficult it was for him, but… — Charles Benedict Family Copy Share Image
“Several months later, I met the man I would later marry. As my mom got to know this last boyfriend, she accepted… — Charles Benedict Kindness Copy Share Image
