Not enough sex talk in churches or seminaries, report says

[Natasha]

Not enough sex talk in churches or seminaries, report says

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/not-enough-sex-talk-in-churches-or-seminaries-233513.html
Joshunda Sanders
2/12/10

Gender and sexuality have caused divisions in the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. Same-sex unions are upheld in some churches and not in others; the same is true for gay clergy. While there are more than 3,300 churches that affirm lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender congregants, 57 percent of Protestant clergy hardly ever discuss issues specific to the gay and lesbian community.

But according to "Sexuality and Religion 2020," a report released this week, they probably should.

[Suzy]

A very interesting report, but it fails to mention that sex talk in the UU church is not the same thing as in the Presbyterian Church or the Baptist Church.  And given that the article came from Austin, TX, there is not even agreement among the large Baptist churches there on sexuality issues.  And if the author thinks that even the five seminaries in Austin TX would agree on these issues if and when they decide to discuss it, I am afraid she is sadly mistaken.  The report clearly has an agenda, but the approach of having more discussion will not further it, nor will it heal this divide within Christendom.  Many mainline churches are quite frankly very tired of discussing this issue because it has been talked about so much.

Kristi

[Allamakee]

The report clearly has an agenda, but the approach of having more discussion will not further it, nor will it heal this divide within Christendom.

Yes, according to the website of the organization which produced the report: "The Religious Institute's mission is to change the way America understands the relationship of sexuality and religion."  It lists its five topics of concern to include reproductive justice and LGBT inclusion.
http://www.religiousinstitute.org/

I'm glad another organization is speaking up for our side, but the news article quotes one professor as saying: "the part I thought was less helpful was that the report is clearly prescribing... moving toward sexual justice and full inclusion of LGBT people in the church, which comes across as more of a political agenda than a theological approach."  I think the response of most conservatives, and perhaps many moderates, would be less charitable.

BTW: here is a link to the report: http://www.religiousinstitute.org/sites/default/files/study_guides/sexualityandreligion2020.pdf

[Suzy]

I think the response of most conservatives, and perhaps many moderates, would be less charitable.

BTW: here is a link to the report: http://www.religiousinstitute.org/sites/default/files/study_guides/sexualityandreligion2020.pdf

That was precisely my point.  A study by by an organization like The Religious Institute will be celebrated by those who already agree with it, and ignored or used for cannon fodder by those who do not.  It will not change a thing.

Kristi