1. RELIGION AND ADOLESCENT 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:
“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

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, USA

33. MUCHAS GRACIAS!