RCRC represents a range of denominations that consider sexuality a sacred gift.
We view sex and sexuality as a normal part of human development, a part of an individual’s well-being and as an element of human relationships which deserves respect, honesty and compassion.
Educating Within the Religious Community
In contrast to religious conservatives that have made sex and sexuality a source of shame and blame, RCRC supports a lifelong process of sexuality education, including within the religious community.
This education consists of gaining information and forming attitudes, beliefs and values about identity, relationships and intimacy.
Empowerment Through Comprehensive Education
We believe we have a moral obligation to ensure that every young person is empowered with education about sex and sexuality so that may make responsible decisions about sexual health for themselves.
Education’s Benefits
Studies have shown that young people who receive comprehensive sex education experience fewer unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, are better equipped for healthy relationships and support the inclusion of LGBTQ people.
Comprehensive sex education also supports LGBTQ youth who are significantly more likely than heterosexual youth to experience isolation, bullying, harassment, and mental health challenges due to bias based on their sexual identities.
Many faiths agree that the use of contraception and the practice of family planning are considered moral, responsible and a basic human right.
Affordable and consistent access to contraception is essential to the health and well-being of women, men and families. It helps ensure that children are born into a family prepared to love and nurture them.
Contraception’s Importance
According to CDC, unintended pregnancy mainly results from not using contraception, or inconsistent or incorrect use of effective contraceptive methods.
CDC also states that the use of latex condoms greatly reduces the risk of catching or spreading the more than 20 kinds of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Reproductive Justice and Sex Education
Reproductive justice requires that we remove the obstacles to accessing contraception such as cost and proximity to care.
Reproductive justices also requires us to oppose teaching abstinence-only-until-marriage in place of comprehensive sex education.
Many abstinence-only-until-marriage programs, promulgated by religious conservatives, present this approach as the only moral choice for young people.
These programs also often rely on outdated gender expectations, emphasizing “modesty” for girls and attributing to boys the role of sexual aggressors.
Religion has often stigmatized sex and sex education. To root out this obstacle, RCRC works within diverse faith communities to advance honest, respectful and comprehensive sex education.
