Catholic Parish in Syracuse, NY Opposes Diocesan Launch of LGBT Ministry Courage International
In late September 2026 in Syracuse, New York, a public disagreement emerged between the leadership of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse and All Saints Church over the re-establishment of a local chapter of Courage International, a Catholic apostolate ministering to individuals experiencing same-sex attraction. Parishioners and clergy at All Saints, known for years of active pastoral ministry to LGBTQ+ Catholics, appealed to Bishop Douglas Lucia to withhold his approval for the group’s diocesan presence.
According to a report by news outlet Central Current , the decision to revive the Courage International chapter, which had been dormant in the region for more than a decade, was made by diocesan leadership following inquiries from local Catholics seeking spiritual guidance in living chastely. The effort has been led by Father Chris Seibt, a diocesan vice chancellor and pastor of two area parishes. Although Bishop Lucia met with members of the All Saints LGBTQ+ Task Force in the spring to hear their concerns, he ultimately approved reviving the ministry, which will initially operate through pastoral counseling with designated priests.
Representatives of All Saints expressed grave concern that Courage International’s model stigmatizes believers and demands the suppression of sexual identity through promises of celibacy. Task force members contend that the organization’s approach bears hallmarks of conversion therapy—a practice discredited by major medical associations and prohibited by New York state law—and risks inflicting psychological harm on vulnerable Catholics, particularly LGBT youth and their families.
In response, Danielle Cummings, chancellor and director of communications for the Diocese of Syracuse, underscored that Courage International is not conversion therapy. She explained that the apostolate offers voluntary spiritual accompaniment for Catholics who wish to align their lives with traditional Catholic doctrine on chastity, which also prohibits sexual activity outside of marriage. Diocesan officials emphasized that the ministry is entirely optional and responds to genuine pastoral requests from parishioners across Central New York.
All Saints Parish was established in 2008 through the merger of two historic congregations and became widely recognized for its welcoming ministry to marginalized groups, refugees, and immigrants under the motto “All Are Welcome.” Its pastor, Father Fred Daley, who publicly came out as a gay priest in 2004, has long advocated for the full inclusion and pastoral affirmation of LGBTQ+ people within the Church. Courage International, founded in New York in 1980 by Father John Harvey with the endorsement of Cardinal Terence Cooke, comprises over 160 chapters worldwide, assisting Catholics experiencing same-sex attraction through prayer, fellowship, and adherence to Church teachings.
The controversy in Syracuse highlights ongoing broader debates within the Catholic Church over how to reconcile pastoral welcome with traditional moral doctrine. Previously, Urania reported on the Vatican’s publication of a synodal study report featuring testimonies from married gay Catholics and criticism of conversion practices, covered the departure of the longtime executive director of America’s oldest LGBT Catholic advocacy group DignityUSA, and examined theological reflections on homosexuality as part of God’s diverse creation.
