Amid Catholic Church Synod Controversy, New Film Clarifies Catholic Church's Teachings on Same-sex Attraction

Contact: Branden Stanley, 317-992-0004, press@blackstonefilms.org

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 28, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- Amid the Catholic Church's Synod controversy on same-sex attraction, a new film by Blackstone Films, The Third Way, addresses the Catholic Church's controversial stance on same-sex attraction in a 40-minute documentary.

The Third Way documentary pivots around Paragraph 2358 in the official Catechism of the Catholic Church that states, "[persons experiencing same-sex attraction] must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided."

"Amid the Synod controversy of the Catholic Church's stance on same-sex attraction, the Third Way allows one to submerge into the depths of the Church's teachings on same-sex attractions," said John-Andrew O'Rourke, the director of the film. "People on both sides of the same-sex attractions controversy have told us there are only two options – hater bigots or sexual sinners – but what if there was a third option? This is what is revealed within The Third Way."

Already receiving over 180,000 views on Vimeo, The Third Way features the stories of 7 people experiencing same-sex attraction who chronicle their journey and their relationship with the Catholic Church. Prominent Catholic speakers and renowned authors appear in the film including Jason Evert, Chris Stefanick, Christopher West, Sister Helene Burns, and Father Mike Schmitz.

While not produced by the Catholic Church, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis – the Catholic diocese where The Third Way was filmed – has endorsed the film as well Bishops from around the world.

Archbishop Charles Chaput said, "The Third Way is an exceptional film: a brief, articulate, deeply moving portrait of faithful Catholics living with same sex attraction. Anyone seeking to understand the human realities involved in a very difficult issue needs to see it."

Archbishop Samuel Aquilia said, "The Third Way is an exceptional piece of film-making: intelligent, sensitive, candid and completely faithful to the witness of the Church….I highly recommend the Third Way as a faithful Catholic contribution to the cultural conversation on homosexuality."

The Third Way was directed by John-Andrew O’Rourke, Produced by Fr. John Hollowell, and included cinematography by Branden J. Stanley and Thomas Shannon. The Third Way has been translated into 9 languages along with closed captioning in English. DVDs can be purchased here.