Sexuality Education For Clergy: Empirical Data, Current Efforts, Future Needs

Abstract

While arguing the case that sexuality education for clergy is of paramount importance, the purpose of this article is threefold: to introduce the limited available data on perceived need for training in human sexuality within seminary settings; to present current national attempts to integrate sexuality and theological education; and to set forth recommendations for future attempts at planning, implementing, and evaluating sexuality education programs for seminarians. The only normative criterion underlying the proposed recommendations is that sexuality education courses for clergy be based on the needs of the academic institution, the denominational affiliation, and on students' and faculty's needs. Alongside attention to need, other factors such as nature of the target audience, program implementers, reward system, course content, theoretical framework, and evaluation of courses/programs must be carefully considered.