We are called to join in the public discussion about the nature of sexuality education for the country's youth. . . . education that repsects the whole person, honors the truth and diverse values, and promotes the highest ethical values in human relationships.

 - Open Letter about Sex Education

Religious Leaders Demonstrate Support for Comprehensive Sexuality Education on Capitol Hill

On April 28, 2009, the Religious Institute and SIECUS convened a congressional briefing on "Religious Support for Reducing Unintended Pregnancies and STIs Among Youth."

Briefing Program

Rev. Haffner's testimony

Rev. Cedric Harmon's testimony

Emily Goodstein's testimony

Ann Hanson's testimony

Religious Leaders Call for an End to Federal Funding for Abstinence-Only Sex Education Programs

More than 925 clergy and national religious leaders have endorsed the Religious Institute's Open Letter to Religious Leaders about Sex Education, urging the Obama administration to support a new national commitment to comprehensive sexuality education.

Read the Press Release

Religious Institute Letter to the White House

List of Endorsers

Open Letter to Religious Leaders about Sex Education

250 Religious Leaders join Religious Institute statement for Congressional hearing

On April 23rd, the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held its first hearing on the "Public Health and Ethical Concerns with Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage Programs and the Need for Comprehensive Sexuality Education."

The Religious Institute submitted a statement for the hearing that was endorsed by more than 250 clergy and religious leaders, including the heads of four denominations and the leaders of more than 30 national religious organizations.

Read the statement and view the endorsers...

Congressional Briefing - March 13, 2008

Briefing Program

Rev. Haffner's blog on briefing

Rev. Haffner's testimony

Rabbi Laura Novak Winer's Testimony

Rev. Janet Parker's Testimony

A Time to Speak: Faith Communities and Sexuality Education, 2nd Edition

This guidebook affirms the unique role of congregations in providing sexuality education. This publication explains why religious institutions must be involved in sexuality education; how churches can provide sexuality education in the congregational environment; and how churches can support sexuality education in the community. This resource includes an extensive listing of denominational statements on sexuality education and a thorough guide to sexuality resources available from many denominations.

An Open Letter to Religious Leaders on Sex Education

A Call to Action for Religious Leaders

Sexuality Education Curricula for Faith Communities