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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”

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

Consensual Non-Exploitive Honest Mutually Pleasurable Protected

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Love your enemy

The truth shall set you free

The word became flesh

Love your neighbour as yourself

With all your heart and all your soul and all your might

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

MUCHAS GRACIAS!