Religious Education Update: September 23, 2007
Our Whole Lives
Beginning on October 14, a number of our children and youth will be participating in a comprehensive sexuality education program, known as OWL. This training is being held at the Santa Rosa UU church Sunday afternoons, in partnership with their RE program, and is not part of our Sunday morning RE program.
Why is it important for our kids to have faith-developed training?
Many children, particularly those who spend lots of time watching TV, are frequently exposed to messages about sexuality. They may accept that good looks, meaning attractiveness to the opposite sex, is more important than achievement. They may decide that popularity comes with early dating and early sexual activity. In addition, children are physically maturing at earlier ages now, partly due to childhood obesity and particularly due to environmental influences. Some children have to deal with first signs of puberty in third or fourth grade. Also, youth must learn to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases that can cause permanent health damage or even death.
But why should UU churches teach about sex? Our UU faith teaches about sexuality in the context of respect for one’s partner, respect for one’s body, and responsibility for one’s actions. We offer knowledge that helps youth stay healthy and safe. We teach about gender issues, including homosexuality, in the context of the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
Erin Miller, a 16 year old UU youth wrote in the Register-Guard, a Eugene, Oregon newspaper, “OWL is creating a group of teens who will be sexually responsible and who will make choices based on health and knowledge.” The wealth of information that OWL provides us is something we're thankful for,” I’m grateful that our faith offers this resource to kids. If you’d like more information, please ask.
Marlene Abel
Director of Religious Education
Beginning on October 14, a number of our children and youth will be participating in a comprehensive sexuality education program, known as OWL. This training is being held at the Santa Rosa UU church Sunday afternoons, in partnership with their RE program, and is not part of our Sunday morning RE program.
Why is it important for our kids to have faith-developed training?
Many children, particularly those who spend lots of time watching TV, are frequently exposed to messages about sexuality. They may accept that good looks, meaning attractiveness to the opposite sex, is more important than achievement. They may decide that popularity comes with early dating and early sexual activity. In addition, children are physically maturing at earlier ages now, partly due to childhood obesity and particularly due to environmental influences. Some children have to deal with first signs of puberty in third or fourth grade. Also, youth must learn to protect themselves from sexually transmitted diseases that can cause permanent health damage or even death.
But why should UU churches teach about sex? Our UU faith teaches about sexuality in the context of respect for one’s partner, respect for one’s body, and responsibility for one’s actions. We offer knowledge that helps youth stay healthy and safe. We teach about gender issues, including homosexuality, in the context of the inherent worth and dignity of every person.
Erin Miller, a 16 year old UU youth wrote in the Register-Guard, a Eugene, Oregon newspaper, “OWL is creating a group of teens who will be sexually responsible and who will make choices based on health and knowledge.” The wealth of information that OWL provides us is something we're thankful for,” I’m grateful that our faith offers this resource to kids. If you’d like more information, please ask.
Marlene Abel
Director of Religious Education
posted by Unitarian Universalists of Petaluma @ 5:50 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home