‘Give us the words’: Protestant faith leaders and sexuality education in their churches

Abstract

A small sample of faith leaders from the USA’s three largest Mainline Protestant denominations (American Baptist, Evangelical Lutheran Church of America and Methodist) were interviewed as part of a case study regarding sexuality education in their churches. The interview schedule, based on a previous Alan Guttmacher Institute designed questionnaire, prompted responses related to sexuality education delivery in church, denominational policies on sexuality education, thoughts on churches’ role in sexuality education, and characteristics of an ideal sexuality education curriculum for their church. Transcripts of the interviews were analysed using an open coding process to create a comprehensive understanding of themes and patterns in the data. Transcripts were then reviewed, identifying notable quotes and comments that aligned with the trends and patterns that had emerged. Interviews revealed five themes, (a) the church’s role in sexuality education, (b) congregation reaction, (c) negatives related to teaching sexuality education, (d) God’s intent for sex, and (e) the ideal curriculum. Faith leaders’ comments indicated that churches may be an underutilised but willing partner in comprehensive sexuality education efforts, but need support from health/sexuality educators to build and deliver the curriculum.