ELCA News Blog
September 14, 2007
Lutheran youth in conversation about human sexuality
by Melissa Ramirez Cooper, ELCA News Service
"Free in Christ to Care for the Neighbor: Lutheran Youth Talk about Human Sexuality" is now available to senior-high-school-age members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Issued by the Task Force for the ELCA Studies on Sexuality, the 75-page resource is available as a free download (PDF) at http://www.ELCA.org/faithfuljourney/youth/JTF-youth.pdf on the church's Web site and was mailed Sept. 10 to the 10,549 congregations of the ELCA. The resource is an adaptation of the adult study, "Free in Christ to Serve the Neighbor: Lutherans Talk about Human Sexuality."
The resource engages senior-high Lutherans in conversation about human sexuality through music, movie clips, stories from young people and more. Bible study, prayer and ELCA social teachings provide a foundation for youth as they reflect on such topics as "when is sex okay," "how do creation and sin impact my view of sex," and "how do I respond to the way sexuality is depicted in popular culture." The resource offers six sessions, each with a handout to help families continue the discussion. Youth and their leaders will be able to log on to an accompanying Web site and share ideas in an online discussion forum, said the Rev. Kaari M. Reierson, associate director for studies, ELCA Church in Society.
"Through 'Free in Christ to Care for the Neighbor,' senior high youth can provide written feedback to the Task Force on ELCA Studies on Sexuality while the task force writes the first draft and proposed social statement on human sexuality," said Reierson. Responses from youth are due Dec. 15, 2007. A proposed social statement on human sexuality is expected in early 2009. For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog