Julie Rodgers and I recently gave a presentation on faith and homosexuality at the University of St. Thomas, hosted by Trinity City Church. The audio is below. You can find out more about the event here.
Overview
(from TrinityCityChurch.org) A “new kind of coming out is occurring, in which gay or same-sex attracted Christians openly discuss both our sexual orientation and our desire to live according to the historic teaching of the Christian church,” writes Eve Tushnet in her piece titled “Coming Out Christian.”
This event considered this “new kind of coming out” through the stories of Christopher Damian and Julie Rodgers. Both Chris and Julie opened the evening sharing their stories, which was followed by a time of Q & A.
Christopher Damian’s Story:
[audio http://trinitycitychurch.org/sermon-recordings/20140406_COC1_32kbps.mp3 ]
Julie Rodger’s Story:
[audio http://trinitycitychurch.org/sermon-recordings/20140406_COC2_32kbps.mp3 ]
Q&A with Christopher Damian and Julie Rodgers, facilitated by Bryan Lair:
[audio http://trinitycitychurch.org/sermon-recordings/20140406_COC3_32kbps.mp3 ]
Chris Damian recently graduated from the University of Notre Dame and is currently pursuing degrees in Law and Catholic Studies at the University of St. Thomas. He can be found on Twitter @UniversityIdeas.
Spiritual Friendship 
So helpful to hear! Thank you Chris and Julie for sharing here!!
@ Chris Damian
Great talk!! I agree with mc I was extremely helpful to hear!!! I have not listened to Julie’s portion yet but I have listen to part of the Q & A and plan to listen to Julie’s portion today.
To me the most valuable portion of it (all of it was valuable) was when you (in Christopher Damian’s Story) were responding and explaining to you friend about what you plan to do with you sexuality. Out of that 30 to 45 second segment, however, I was having a hard time making out one sentence. I am trying not to spoil the whole talk but are you saying “when they most fully become themselves in eternal be attitude?”
If yes, what does that mean? If no, what did you say?
Thanks for your comment! I was trying to say “eternal beatitude.” It can also be called “eternal blessedness”, meaning more or less being in heaven before God. So to desire someone most truly is to desire that the person be a saint.
Thankyou for responding! That really helps to bring you talk to total clarity for me.
Chris you were wonderful!
Julie your story gave me goosebumps. When you talk about your sleepless night, and how our culture gives too much credit to romantic love. That night when you were sleepless it reminded me of the passage when Jacob wrestled with God and triumphed obtaining His blessing.
Genesis 32:28 KJV
[28] And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.
Thank you both!
Wow. So wonderful! Honestly, I found this extremely life giving for me! So encouraging and inspiring on so many levels. I so enjoy that your stories are, as you mentioned, so much more than just “your” stories but rather the story of a God who has not only made a huge impact in transforming your lives but giving you a bigger vision for the Church and hope for transformation within the Church. Thanks so much for being a voice! This gave me an opportunity to share with one of my housemates about what you two shared and how it encourages me.
Thank you for this! You both kept it real! And Chris you have a sweet voice, it definitely helps when talking about such a heavy subject.
Just awesome – I know this happened months ago, but I’m catching-up! Chris, your contribution to SF and your vocation in general has opened my eyes and heart to the wonderful things about Catholicism, and I repent for being a somewhat judgmental protestant all my life. I’ve learned everything the hard way and have been through years (seasons) of mistakes, so it’s cool to see someone walking-this-out well. I hope Christendom always sustains you and Julie well too – it’s the least the body of Christ could do.