An online guide to help congregations assess their sexual health policies and procedures has been created by the Rev. Debra W. Haffner, president of the Religious Institute, a multifaith organization formed to advocate for sexual health, education, and justice in faith communities and society.

Haffner, a UU minister, said Assessing Sexual Health: An Online Guide has nine checklists based on a congregation’s size and capabilities. Areas included in the checklists include whether bylaws address sexual orientation inclusion and sexual harassment, whether sexuality issues are addressed in worship, the ways in which sexuality education is offered for children, youth, and adults, and whether sexuality issues are included in a congregation’s social justice advocacy work. The nine areas covered by the guide are Policies and Environment, Religious Professionals, Worship and Preaching, Pastoral Care, Sex Ed for Children and Youth, Sex Ed for Adults, Welcome and Full Inclusion, Safe Congregations, and Social Justice.

About the Author

Don Skinner

Don Skinner is editor of InterConnections and a member of the Shawnee Mission UU Church in Lenexa, Kansas.

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