Church and sexual healing

SEPTEMBER 4 marked World Sexual Health Day. It went by quietly for most people in the space of church, wider religious contexts and the world in general. Not because sexual health is not a matter for engagement in the church. But maybe because religion has long had an unhealthy love-hate relationship with conversations around sexuality.

The Reverend Patricia Sheerattan-Bisnauth, CEO of Caribbean Family Planning Affiliation (CPFA), in association with the Grenada Planned Parenthood Association (GPPA), and Advocates for Safe Parenthood: Improving Reproductive Equity (ASPIRE), presented a timely message for World Sexual Health Day: Promoting Positive Relationships.

They set out to “emphasise the critical importance of sexual health in its broadest sense, grounded in the principles of human dignity, equity, and inclusivity. Sexual health is not just about understanding the mechanics of our bodies; it is about embracing our full selves – our desires, boundaries, and inherent rights – while protecting against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).”

To what extent are we in church ready though for these conversations? Would it be alright for the space and place of church, synagogue, mosque, temple and so on to promote the essence of sexual health? The enlightened group notes, “At its core, sexual health transcends the physical. It is about creating environments where every individual feels safe, respected, and empowered to express their sexuality. It affirms the fundamental right to experience pleasure, maintain safety, and make informed decisions about one’s body without the fear of judgment or violence.”

While many in church are clueless about the value of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), Giovanni Charles, a CFPA Youth Board member, aptly noted: “CSE is essential in equipping individuals with the knowledge needed to build relationships that are healthy, affirming, and rooted in mutual respect. Whether it’s understanding the principles of consent, safeguarding against SGBV, preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections, or navigating the complexities of intimate relationships, CSE is the foundation for making informed choices that prioritise overall wellbeing.”

Too many people in the space of religious traditions have had references to CSE done from a fear-mongering approach that demonised anything to do with sexuality education. However, even the most prayerful among us are sexual beings. No amount of praying, fasting, and speaking in tongues will change our reality as sexual beings. Check with your pastor and Bible study group what their thoughts maight be on this message for World Sexual Health Day, which also states, “It is crucial to remember that your sexual health is yours to own. It is absolutely right to ask questions, seek accurate information, and set personal boundaries that reflect your comfort and values. Every person deserves to engage in relationships that are not only safe and healthy but also rich in love, trust, respect, and joy.”

One thing missing from the message, was a challenge for religious institutions to also integrate CSE in their policies and educational programmes. Nevertheless, I stand with these civil society groups as they make this timely call: “On this World Sexual Health Day, CFPA, GPPA, and ASPIRE call for a renewed commitment to integrating CSE into health and family life education across the Caribbean – in schools, sports programmes, and parent-teacher associations. We must foster conversations that are candid, honest, and inclusive. We must challenge and dismantle harmful norms and practices that hinder progress, working collectively to ensure that sexual health and rights are universally upheld and respected. This is a shared responsibility, and together, we can make a lasting impact.”

Faith-based organisations might also find helpful, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) message for World Sexual Health Day. It includes reminders such as, “Sexual health is fundamental to overall health and wellbeing, gender equality, as well as broader social and economic development. Sexual health refers to a state of physical, emotional, mental and social wellbeing related to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. Immense suffering can occur when people lack bodily autonomy, control over their fertility or the freedom to experience safe, consensual and satisfying sexual relationships. WHO remains committed to advancing sexual health and wellbeing across the life course as integral components of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and fostering healthy societies in which all people experience their sexuality positively and with dignity.”

It will take sometime and effort to advance comprehensive sexual and reproductive health rights in faith-based conversations. May our various religious organisations across the Caribbean seek to learn and grow in affirmation of the sexual beings that we are. And may God’s grace and divine presence be celebrated in people everywhere.

Fr Sean Major-Campbell is an Anglican priest and advocate for human dignity and human rights. Send feedback to seanmajorcampbell@yahoo.com or columns@gleanerjm.com.