Resources for Faith communities
Let’s Talk About Sex: An Introduction and Discussion Guide for Faith Communities
LET'S TALK ABOUT SEX explores why many families and faith communities aren’t talking about issues of sexuality with young people. The filmmakers are not prescribing a specific method to deal with this issue. Instead, they present a realistic view of teen sexuality in the United States and abroad, highlighting statistics and showing that the U.S. has a significant problem. The filmmakers hope to start conversations–between parents and children, among clergy and congregations, and with all who are interested in the health and well-being of young people. The following discussion guide can help get the conversation started.
Let’s Talk About Sex: An Introduction and Discussion Guide for Faith Communities
Our Whole Lives, Sexuality and Our Faith
Our Whole Lives, a comprehensive sex education program helps participants make informed and responsible decisions about their relationships, health and behavior in the context of their faith. It equips participants with accurate, age-appropriate information in six subject areas: human development, relationships, personal skills, sexual behavior, sexual health, and society and culture. It provides not only facts about anatomy and human development, but helps participants to clarify their values, build interpersonal skills and understand the social, emotional and spiritual aspects of sexuality.
Click here to learn more about the Our Whole Lives curriculum
Religious Support for Sexuality Education
Major faith traditions representing millions of Americans support comprehensive sexuality education. In keeping with our nation’s constitutional guarantee of freedom of religion, they oppose civil laws that would impose specific religious views about sexuality education on all Americans. The Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, a national organization of 40 religious groups and faith traditions committed to preserving reproductive choice as an integral part of religious freedom, has documented the official statements from faith traditions and religious denominations in support of comprehensive sexuality education.
Download the report
Sexuality Education and Religion?
By Ann L. Hanson, Minister for Sexuality Education and Justice, Families and Human Sexuality, United Church of Christ
Often, people equate sexuality with sex—particularly, sexual acts. However, sexuality includes so much more. It includes sensuality, intimacy, identity, health, and reproduction. Because sexuality is often used to influence, manipulate, and control others in ways that are harmful and destructive to the body and spirit, faith communities are called to support an ethic of human sexuality that embraces healing and health, justice and mutuality.
Most religions celebrate wholeness for all people, including children and youth, and most believe that sexuality is a gift of the divine. Many people of diverse culture, race, and religion believe that, in order to provide an opportunity for wholeness, we must also provide information that will enable all people to make life affirming decisions—and this includes providing comprehensive information about sexuality.
Click here to read the full article
Youth Development and Faith-Based Institutions
Study Notes from The Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing
Adolescence is a season of growth, exploration, excitement, and opportunities. Leaders of religious communities are dedicated to guiding young people through adolescence based on their commitment to young people’s spiritual and moral development, and because they recognize that adult guidance, supervision, and involvement supports the well-being and future of the youth entrusted to their care.
Click here to download the publication