Eden Invitation
| Formation | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Anna Carter and Shannon Ochoa |
| Type | Lay Catholic apostolate |
| Purpose | Ministry to people with same-sex attraction or gender discordance who wish to live according to Catholic teaching |
| Headquarters | St. Paul, Minnesota |
| Location |
|
| Website | www |
Eden Invitation is a lay Catholic apostolate founded in 2017 by Anna Carter and Shannon Ochoa. It ministers to people who experience same-sex attraction or gender discordance and who wish to live in accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church.[1] In 2020, the organization won a $100,000 grant from the OSV Innovation Challenge for its "Hearth and Porch Initiative."[2][3]
History
[edit]Eden Invitation was founded in 2017 by Anna Carter and Shannon Ochoa. It is based in St. Paul, Minnesota.[4]
In December 2016, Carter and Ochoa first discussed the idea for a ministry that would accompany Catholics experiencing same-sex attraction or gender discordance who wanted to follow Church teaching.[5] The ministry launched publicly on April 29, 2017.[5] In its first year, it began offering Story Calls—one-on-one confidential conversations.[5] The first Book Club began in January 2018 with seven participants.[5] The first retreat, "Fear Not," was held in February 2019 with 28 participants.[5]
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ministry experienced significant growth through online community engagement.[6] By 2023, the ministry had 9 established Hearth Groups meeting regularly across the United States.[6] In 2020, Eden Invitation was one of three winners of the OSV Innovation Challenge, receiving a $100,000 prize for its "Hearth and Porch Initiative" to foster local hubs for community and formation in cities and dioceses across the U.S.[2][3]
Programs and values
[edit]Eden Invitation's statement of belief affirms adherence to the Catholic Church's teaching on faith and morals. It states that the human person is made in the image and likeness of God, that being created male or female is "very good," and that sexual expression is intended for marriage between one man and one woman. The statement concludes that "every person is called to holiness and to chaste integration of their sexuality according to their state in life."[6][7]
Eden Invitation programs include confidential video calls, online small group book discussions,[5] retreats and local monthly prayer and fellowship groups.[6]
Reception
[edit]Eden Invitation has received support from several Catholic bishops and dioceses. Archbishop Bernard Hebda of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis has endorsed the ministry.[4] Eden Invitation is listed as a resource for those experiencing same-sex attraction by the Diocese of Lincoln.[6][7] Bishop Kevin Rhoades of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend has called Eden Invitation "a blessing to the Church."[8]
Eden Invitation has also been the subject of criticism. In October 2019, students at Columbia University organized a responding event in response to a planned talk by Eden Invitation at Columbia Catholic Ministry, arguing that the ministry's approach does not affirm LGBTQ relationships.[9]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ↑ "About Us". Eden Invitation. Archived from the original on 2026-05-09. Retrieved 2026-06-22.
- 1 2 Schiffer, Kathy (September 16, 2020). "Catholic Creativity Pays Off for Three Big Winners in OSV Institute's Innovation Challenge". National Catholic Register. Retrieved 2026-06-22.
- 1 2 Yoder, Katie (September 2020). "Three Catholic apostolates claim $100,000 prize in first OSV Innovation Challenge". Our Sunday Visitor. Archived from the original on 2026-02-15. Retrieved 2026-06-22.
- 1 2 Quinlan, Kate (February 2025). "Eden Invitation: A Catholic ministry 'beyond the LGBT paradigm'". EWTN News. Archived from the original on 2024-05-26. Retrieved 2026-06-22.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 Camosy, Charlie (May 13, 2022). "How Eden Invitation wants to help the Church look 'beyond the LGBT paradigm'". The Pillar. Archived from the original on 2026-04-11. Retrieved 2026-06-22.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Kellogg, Dennis (February 9, 2024). "'Eden Invitation' a message of hope". Diocese of Lincoln. Retrieved 2026-06-22.
- 1 2 "Same Sex Attraction". Diocese of Lincoln. Retrieved 2026-06-22.
- ↑ Gettinger, Megan (June 28, 2021). "Eden Invitation and the holy work of accompaniment". Today's Catholic. Archived from the original on 2025-12-06. Retrieved 2026-06-22.
- ↑ Shrijay, Priyanka (October 21, 2019). "Students host discussion on LGBTQ Catholic identity following controversial Columbia Catholic Ministry affiliation". Columbia Daily Spectator. Archived from the original on 2026-01-20. Retrieved 2026-06-22.
External links
[edit]- Catholic organizations
- Catholic lay organisations
- LGBTQ and Catholicism
- Religious organizations established in 2017
- 2017 establishments in the United States
- Organizations based in Minnesota
- Christian organizations based in the United States
- Catholic Church in the United States
- Non-profit organizations based in Minnesota