By Michelle Bearden
The Tampa Tribune
February 10, 2010
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/feb/10/101021/institute-report-urges-clergy-lets-talk-about-sex/life/
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| A clinical psychologist says the clergy should take a lead in educating the public on sensitive topics, including sex. |
Internet pornography, sexually transmitted diseases, teenage pregnancy, infidelity, same-sex marriage, sexual addiction and sexual abuse by clergy members.
It's a good bet these issues don't get much – if any – discussion from the pulpit.
On Tuesday, the Connecticut-based Religious Institute unveiled a report that calls for clergy and congregations to break the silence on these hot-button subjects and become more proactive in the "sexual justice" movement.
"There's a serious disconnect between clergy and sex," said the Rev. Debra Haffner, executive director of the institute. "We have to break the silence around sexuality that exists in too many of our faith communities."
"Sexuality and Religion 2020: Goals for the Next Decade" urges religious leaders to do a better job of promoting sexual health, education and justice. The 46-page document outlines a decade-long plan with 10 goals.
Among them: Improve ministerial training in sexuality issues, which is virtually non-existent now; provide better pastoral care on sexuality-related issues and education for youth and adults; become more effective advocates of comprehensive sexuality education, sexual and reproductive health, and the full inclusion of women and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons.
The report also revealed the launch of Faithful Voices Network, a grassroots movement of people of faith dedicated to sexual health, education and justice. Supporters can sign a pledge of action on the institute's Web site at www.religiousinstitute.org.
In an announcement that coincided with the report's release, the Unitarian Universalist Association in Boston announced that all candidates for its group's ministry will be required to "demonstrate competency" in critical areas relating to human sexuality. It is the first major religious denomination to make that provision mandatory.
David Clarke, a Christian clinical psychologist from Tampa, acknowledged that it will be impossible to bring all faith traditions together on some issues. Some denominations will continue to stand strong against abortion, providing birth control for minors and gay marriage.
But there are many areas of common ground, he said.
"We're being hit by a tidal wave of sexual problems in our culture today. It's to the point where we just can't look the other way. Not talking about it won't make the problems disappear."
Clarke addressed that in one of his books, "Kiss Me Like You Mean It: Solomon's Crazy in Love How-to Manual." He describes it as a practical guidebook on how to improve sex, romance and passion in marriage.
"It's a pretty racy book, but it's all biblically based, right from the Songs of Solomon," he said.
So If God invented sex, why is it a taboo topic in religious circles?
"Because we get really queasy talking about it," Clarke said. "It's a real weak spot for the church community. But how can we ignore it? It's how we all got here."
Ten years ago, the institute issued one of the first comprehensive reports on the matter, "The Religious Declaration on Sexuality Morality, Justice and Healing."
It includes input for it came from representatives of Catholics for a Free Choice, National Council of Churches of Christ, Union Theological Seminary and the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
Noticeably absent from the 2000 report and the current one are the voices of conservative religious group leaders.
The institute is funded by foundations, grants, donors, consulting projects and publication sales. It claims more than 5,000 clergy and religious leaders, representing more than 50 faith traditions, as part of its national network.
Martin Marty, professor emeritus at the University of Chicago and a former Lutheran pastor, said Tuesday that he's supporting the report because "it's realistic, not crabby."
His experience as a religious historian tells him that it takes about 200 years to bring about change in the Christian church, but in this case, "we don't have the luxury of time."
"The stakes are too high," he said. "I watch every Christian denomination, and they're all fighting about sexuality issues. We're definitely capable of doing better in this area."
Besides, Marty said, religion is a lot like sex.
"If you get it right, it's beautiful," he said. "But if you get it wrong, it really messes you up."
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