RELIGION AND ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY

1. RELIGION ANDADOLESCENT SEXUALITY The Reverend Debra W. Haffner PowerPoint presentation by Gregory J. Haffner Tartaglione, age 10

2. “Sexuality is a result of the interplay of biological, psychological, socio-economic, cultural, ethical, and religious/spiritual factors.” PAHO 2000 • “The expression of sexuality is influenced by ethical, spiritual, cultural, and moral concerns” SIECUS • “A sexually healthy adult… assesses the impact of family, cultural, religious, media, and societal messages on one’s thoughts, feelings, values, and behaviors related to sexuality.”SIECUS

3. Religious tradition, Scripture,history, and experience CAN support our work on adolescent sexual health.

4. Hebrew Bible and New Testament support a positive view of sexuality, love, and inclusion.

5. Genesis 1:27 “God created humankind in his image In the image of god he created them Male and Female he created them”

6. Genesis 1:28 “God blessed them and said to them: be fruitful and multiply”

7. Genesis 2:18 • “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper as a partner.”

8. Genesis 2:24 - 25 • “Therefore, a man leaves his father and his mother and clings to his wife, and they become one flesh. And the man and his wife were both naked, and were not ashamed.”

12. Roman Catholicism • “Sexuality affects all aspects of the human person in the unity of the body and the soul.”

14. Consensual • Non-Exploitive • Honest • Mutually Pleasurable • Protected

17. Catolicas Por El Derecho A Decidir • Bolivia • Brazil • Columbia • Argentina • Peru • www.catolicas.org

18. Theological Support For Comprehensive Sexuality Education • Sexuality is a divinely bestowed blessing. • Rites of passage. • Adolescence: time of moral discernment & development of a freely informed conscience • Inclusive commitment to all people • Truth-telling

19. Roman Catholicism & Adolescent Sexuality • Supports sex education in parishes and schools • Emphasis on love, mutuality, co-creation • Preparing young people for marriage • Development of a moral conscience • Liberation theology: Good News for the poor

20. Religious Teens Less Likely to Engage in Risk Taking • 31% of faith-involved 17 year olds have sexual intercourse vs 61% in US • 80% more likely to use a condom • 50% more likely to wait to have intercourse • 92% morals and values should play a major role • Less likely to use alcohol and other drugs

21. Religious Teens Most Likely To Delay Intercourse • Attend one or more times a week • Pray daily. • Influenced by religious teachings • Strong connection with congregation • Adults portray sexuality in a healthy manner • Congregation encourages abstinence

22. Highly Religious Teens Substitute Non-Coital Behaviors • ORAL SEX: 29% males, 26% females • FONDLING: 70% • NUDITY WITH OPPOSITE SEX: 50% • MASTURBATION: 89% males, 71% females • KISSING: Universal • ORIENTATION: 14% boys, 11% girls homosexual, bisexual, or questioning

23. Barriers • Personal Hurts • History of Negative experiences • Religio-phobia • Belief religious Voices monolithic • Real Value conflicts

24. OPPORTUNITIES • Training: Clergy, Youth Ministers, RE • Church-based sexuality education • Preaching on sexuality issues • Joint programming • Religious leadership involved in national programs • Country specific adaptations of Religious Declaration • Counseling to Address Religious Influences • Reciprocal Referral Networks

25. ….Limited only by your imaginations and your relationships!!!

26. There is a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.

27. Love your enemy

28. The truth shall set you free

29. The word became flesh

30. Love your neighbour as yourself

31. With all your heart and all your soul and all your might

32. Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing 304 Main Avenue, # 335 Norwalk, CT, 06851 USA www.religiousinstitute.org haffner@religiousinstitute.org

33. MUCHAS GRACIAS!