Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Response to TUMC: Religious Leaders Stand With LGBT People of Faith
I'm pleased to tell you that today the Religious Institute, a multi-faith organization dedicated to sexual health, education and justice, issued a statement regarding The United Methodist Church’s decision General Conference not to remove the doctrinal language that states, “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” Twenty-three major mainstream religious leaders joined with me to endorse the statement, which reads:
“As religious leaders, we are speaking out against the decision of The United Methodist Church’s General Conference not to remove the doctrinal language that states, “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching.” Using the Bible to exclude or attack people violates the very spirit of our traditions and is morally unconscionable. We affirm sexual and gender diversity as gifts people offer to their congregations and communities. We stand in solidarity with those United Methodists working to transform their denomination into one that celebrates sexual and gender diversity as a blessing that enriches all.
“Too many religious institutions have failed to embrace sexual and gender diversity. Some have mistakenly called homosexuality sinful, when the real issue is heterosexism or the unjust privileging of heterosexuality. Silence, misinformation, and condemnation of differing sexual and gender identities have created despair, destroyed relationships, and led to violence, suicide, and even murder. Sexual and gender oppression can no longer be portrayed as virtuous and morally defensible.
“Loving, just communities embrace everyone; they are strengthened when all people are able to live fully and express their gender and sexuality with holiness and integrity. There can be no turning back from the goal of the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in our faith traditions and communities. Surely, that day is coming soon.”
Rev. Dr. Michael J. Adee
Executive Director
More Light Presbyterians
Dr. Ellen Armour
Director of the Carpenter Program in Religion, Gender, and Sexuality
Vanderbilt University Divinity School
Karen Barr
Moderator of Council
GLAD Alliance
Meredith Bischoff
President, Board of Directors
Welcoming Community Network
Francis DeBernardo
Executive Director
New Ways Ministry
Marianne Duddy-Burke
Executive Director
DignityUSA
Yolanda Elliott
President
SDA Kinship International
Rev. Yvette Flunder
Presiding Bishop
The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries
Dr. Sharon Groves
Director, Religion and Faith Program
Human Rights Campaign
Rev. Debra W. Haffner
President
Religious Institute
Dr. Alice W. Hunt
President
Chicago Theological Seminary
Dr. Mary E. Hunt
Co-Director
Women's Alliance for Theology, Ethics and Ritual (WATER)
Rev. Dr. Jay Johnson
Senior Director
Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry
Pacific School of Religion
Rev. Dr. Serene Jones
President
Union Theological Seminary
Dr. Joel L. Kushner
Director
Institute for Judaism, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion
Andrew G. Lang
Executive Director
United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns
David Lohman
IWR & Faith Work Coordinator
National Gay & Lesbian Task Force's Institute for Welcoming Resources
Jon O’Brien
President
Catholics for Choice
Marilyn Paarlberg
Executive Director
Room for All (Reformed Church in America)
The Very Reverend Dr. Katherine Hancock Ragsdale
President
Episcopal Divinity School
Rev. Michael Schuenemeyer
Executive for Health and Wholeness Advocacy, Wider Church Ministries
United Church of Christ Office for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Ministries
Howard Solomon
President
World Congress of GLBT Jews
Rabbi Arthur Waskow
Director
The Shalom Center
Rev. Dr. Nancy Wilson
Moderator
Metropolitan Community Churches
Rev. Dr. D. Newell Williams
President
Brite Divinity School
(List in formation)
Monday, April 23, 2012
Go Forth: An Update on the Religious Institute
I had the privilege of hearing Rev. Dr. James Forbes preach last week at the 175th anniversary of Union Theological Seminary. He chose Genesis 12 as his reading, and using God’s command to Abram to “go forth”, he inspired us to reflect on Union’s faculty and graduates impact on the world.
The sermon touched my soul – not just as a proud Union alum and adjunct professor – but because of the journey I have been on for the past two months. Rev. Forbes reminded me that Abram set out on his journey because God called him to make it, without experience in the destination. So did Moses, so did the Israelites in the exile, so did Jesus and the disciples. Called by God, to go first into the chaos or the wilderness, they went forth because they had no other choice but to obey God’s call.
When we discovered just 8 weeks ago that all of the monies of the Religious Institute had been used by its fiscal agent without our knowledge or permission, we were plunged into the darkness and the wilderness. I had no idea how or if we would survive, but I did know that the ministry of the Religious Institute was too essential, too unique not to try. I knew deep in my bones that I would have to work harder, be stronger, be more resilient, be braver and be more faithful than perhaps I had ever been before.
God’s yes, God’s go forth, was louder than any internal desire on my part to just give in or give up.
And so here we are, two months later, with 90% of the money for 2012 raised or committed. We have not been alone in the wilderness. More than 550 individual donors and eight foundations have become part of our re-birth. We are a newly incorporated organization with its own board of directors, on our way to becoming an IRS recognized 501 c 3 organization.
In a way that I could not begin to imagine on that terrible day when I learned about the betrayal of the Religious Institute, we now know that we have survived this financial tsunami and we have emerged as a stronger organization, with greater support than ever before. We are reborn because of all of the people who have stepped forward to make sure that we would. Your prayers, your donations, your volunteering, your cards and notes have kept us going through the wilderness.
We are far from done, but we are on our way and we can see the other side of this journey. I have felt the Holy Spirit’s presence in the darkest moments and in the signs of spring that have also emerged during these two months.
I have reminded myself often of Goethe’s words: "Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it.”
Because of your support, we have once again begun to blossom and we hope, indeed, we know, we will once again blossom. Thank you for being part of our rebirth.
The sermon touched my soul – not just as a proud Union alum and adjunct professor – but because of the journey I have been on for the past two months. Rev. Forbes reminded me that Abram set out on his journey because God called him to make it, without experience in the destination. So did Moses, so did the Israelites in the exile, so did Jesus and the disciples. Called by God, to go first into the chaos or the wilderness, they went forth because they had no other choice but to obey God’s call.
When we discovered just 8 weeks ago that all of the monies of the Religious Institute had been used by its fiscal agent without our knowledge or permission, we were plunged into the darkness and the wilderness. I had no idea how or if we would survive, but I did know that the ministry of the Religious Institute was too essential, too unique not to try. I knew deep in my bones that I would have to work harder, be stronger, be more resilient, be braver and be more faithful than perhaps I had ever been before.
God’s yes, God’s go forth, was louder than any internal desire on my part to just give in or give up.
And so here we are, two months later, with 90% of the money for 2012 raised or committed. We have not been alone in the wilderness. More than 550 individual donors and eight foundations have become part of our re-birth. We are a newly incorporated organization with its own board of directors, on our way to becoming an IRS recognized 501 c 3 organization.
In a way that I could not begin to imagine on that terrible day when I learned about the betrayal of the Religious Institute, we now know that we have survived this financial tsunami and we have emerged as a stronger organization, with greater support than ever before. We are reborn because of all of the people who have stepped forward to make sure that we would. Your prayers, your donations, your volunteering, your cards and notes have kept us going through the wilderness.
We are far from done, but we are on our way and we can see the other side of this journey. I have felt the Holy Spirit’s presence in the darkest moments and in the signs of spring that have also emerged during these two months.
I have reminded myself often of Goethe’s words: "Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter. Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it.”
Because of your support, we have once again begun to blossom and we hope, indeed, we know, we will once again blossom. Thank you for being part of our rebirth.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Update on Religious Institute, Inc. -- We Have Survived and Are Moving On!
I wanted to give you an update since my blog a few weeks ago.
I am now more confident than ever that the Religious Institute (now formally Religious Institute, Inc.) has survived a financial tsunami and that we are ready to move on.
I am pleased to report that the Religious Institute, Inc. is now legally incorporated in the State of Connecticut, obtained its own EIN, and has a new Board of Directors. The first meeting of the Board took place on March 9, 2012, and bylaws were adopted. We are just about finished with our IRS papers, seeking 501 c 3 status. We expect to have that by September.
People and organizations have been supportive beyond words and expectations. Within 2 days, I had raised $40,000 to cover the debts we were left and staff salary for two payrolls. By the time I’m writing this, in just five weeks, we have commitments for more than two thirds of a scaled down 2012 budget. We have had office volunteers, people bringing us lunch, the most lovely letters and notes, and infinite generosities. I can honestly say that I have now experienced the worst of people and the best of people in new ways.
Our 2012 work will continue because it must. Even during this crisis, we have continued to speak out on reproductive justice, LGBT equality, and sexuality education on television, radio, and in print media. In a few weeks, we are convening an amazing group of theologians to develop a new Open Letter to Religious Leaders on contraception. We are moving ahead with our plans for the Rachel Sabbath Initiative on Mother's Day weekend, and I'm backing to co-writing our new guide for congregations on the Internet.
If you had considered donating, but were waiting to see if we would make it, please know how grateful I would be for your tax deductible contribution. You can do it online at www.religiousinstitute.org/donate or mail us a check to 21 Charles Street, Suite 140, Westport, CT 06880. Let me know that you are one of my blog readers.
P.S. If you want to know what's going on with the investigation that's public, google search my name and "news." There's going to be an article on Sunday that will tell you more. Please know that we continue to work with authorities at the local, state, and federal level on their investigation so that justice will prevail.
I am now more confident than ever that the Religious Institute (now formally Religious Institute, Inc.) has survived a financial tsunami and that we are ready to move on.
I am pleased to report that the Religious Institute, Inc. is now legally incorporated in the State of Connecticut, obtained its own EIN, and has a new Board of Directors. The first meeting of the Board took place on March 9, 2012, and bylaws were adopted. We are just about finished with our IRS papers, seeking 501 c 3 status. We expect to have that by September.
People and organizations have been supportive beyond words and expectations. Within 2 days, I had raised $40,000 to cover the debts we were left and staff salary for two payrolls. By the time I’m writing this, in just five weeks, we have commitments for more than two thirds of a scaled down 2012 budget. We have had office volunteers, people bringing us lunch, the most lovely letters and notes, and infinite generosities. I can honestly say that I have now experienced the worst of people and the best of people in new ways.
Our 2012 work will continue because it must. Even during this crisis, we have continued to speak out on reproductive justice, LGBT equality, and sexuality education on television, radio, and in print media. In a few weeks, we are convening an amazing group of theologians to develop a new Open Letter to Religious Leaders on contraception. We are moving ahead with our plans for the Rachel Sabbath Initiative on Mother's Day weekend, and I'm backing to co-writing our new guide for congregations on the Internet.
If you had considered donating, but were waiting to see if we would make it, please know how grateful I would be for your tax deductible contribution. You can do it online at www.religiousinstitute.org/donate or mail us a check to 21 Charles Street, Suite 140, Westport, CT 06880. Let me know that you are one of my blog readers.
P.S. If you want to know what's going on with the investigation that's public, google search my name and "news." There's going to be an article on Sunday that will tell you more. Please know that we continue to work with authorities at the local, state, and federal level on their investigation so that justice will prevail.
Sunday, March 04, 2012
Help the Religious Institute survive! What You Can Do!
The Religious Institute -- and I - am in the fight of our life.
I believe with all my soul that the Religious Institute (www.religiousinstitute.org) must survive having its parent organization close down and the loss of all of our funds.
In last week's post, I told you that The Unitarian Church in Westport (www.uuwestport.org) immediately became our new fiscal sponsor. On Monday, with the assistance of the Probono Partnership, we will begin filing to be an independent organization and becoming our own 501 c 3.
We are accepting tax exempt donations immediately. You can donate at www.religiousinstitute.org/donate or send a check to TUCW/Religious Institute to 21 Charles Street, Suite 140, Westport, CT 06880.
If you are local, you can volunteer. We need at least one volunteer a day to do clerical work. Please call first as our offices are tiny.
If you believe in our mission promoting sexuality education, sexual health, and full inclusion of women and LGBT in the life of the faith community, you can ask your friends through FB, twitter, or blogs to "like" us on FB, take the Faithful Voices Pledge at www.religiousinstitute.org, or send us donations.
You can send a card or a note to the Religious Institute offices for our staff and advisors. Every kind word is making a difference. Use the address above.
Please know that the Religious Institute has contacted every possible local, state, and national authority and they are investigating. Please know that I am working 15 to 18 hour days to survive -- and to do things like write CNN blogs and appear on radio and TV shows on current sexuality issues where our religious voices is desperately needed. Please know that our program work is continuing but that our usual 24 hour turn around time on requests for assistance is slowed down.
During crisis, whether this kind or in a personal tragedy or loss, people have often told me that they don't reach out because they don't know what to say. What we need to hear is simple: "I'm sorry. What can I do? Your work is valued." (If you are reading this and don't know about our ministry, please go to www.religiousinstitute.org)
The kindness of loved ones and of strangers has been uplifting. We know we are surrounded by prayers. My church is doing all they can. Our web site designer is hosting us free for a year. A seven year old sent in $1.45. Churches are holding special plate collections. My chiropractor has offered a free session for all of our staff. A hair dresser even offered me a free blow out. People have brought lunch to the office for us. A church sent the office spring flowers.
I am confident we will survive. YOU can help us survive. Please make your most generous donation (again www.religiousinstitute.org/donate is the quickest way) and please PRAY.
Rev. Debra W. Haffner
I believe with all my soul that the Religious Institute (www.religiousinstitute.org) must survive having its parent organization close down and the loss of all of our funds.
In last week's post, I told you that The Unitarian Church in Westport (www.uuwestport.org) immediately became our new fiscal sponsor. On Monday, with the assistance of the Probono Partnership, we will begin filing to be an independent organization and becoming our own 501 c 3.
We are accepting tax exempt donations immediately. You can donate at www.religiousinstitute.org/donate or send a check to TUCW/Religious Institute to 21 Charles Street, Suite 140, Westport, CT 06880.
If you are local, you can volunteer. We need at least one volunteer a day to do clerical work. Please call first as our offices are tiny.
If you believe in our mission promoting sexuality education, sexual health, and full inclusion of women and LGBT in the life of the faith community, you can ask your friends through FB, twitter, or blogs to "like" us on FB, take the Faithful Voices Pledge at www.religiousinstitute.org, or send us donations.
You can send a card or a note to the Religious Institute offices for our staff and advisors. Every kind word is making a difference. Use the address above.
Please know that the Religious Institute has contacted every possible local, state, and national authority and they are investigating. Please know that I am working 15 to 18 hour days to survive -- and to do things like write CNN blogs and appear on radio and TV shows on current sexuality issues where our religious voices is desperately needed. Please know that our program work is continuing but that our usual 24 hour turn around time on requests for assistance is slowed down.
During crisis, whether this kind or in a personal tragedy or loss, people have often told me that they don't reach out because they don't know what to say. What we need to hear is simple: "I'm sorry. What can I do? Your work is valued." (If you are reading this and don't know about our ministry, please go to www.religiousinstitute.org)
The kindness of loved ones and of strangers has been uplifting. We know we are surrounded by prayers. My church is doing all they can. Our web site designer is hosting us free for a year. A seven year old sent in $1.45. Churches are holding special plate collections. My chiropractor has offered a free session for all of our staff. A hair dresser even offered me a free blow out. People have brought lunch to the office for us. A church sent the office spring flowers.
I am confident we will survive. YOU can help us survive. Please make your most generous donation (again www.religiousinstitute.org/donate is the quickest way) and please PRAY.
Rev. Debra W. Haffner
Thursday, March 01, 2012
Disasterous News But We Will Survive -- Please READ
Dear faithful blog readers:
I need your help. I need your prayers. I need your support and I need you to help spread the word about the vital ministry of the Religious Institute. If you can't read all of this, please go to www.religiousinstitute.org/donate for a short version.
I am in the fight of my life. The Lenten season is upon us, I have been betrayed, we are in the garden, and we need you to stay awake for us.
My regular readers know that I am the director of the Religious Institute, a multi-faith organization that I co-founded in 2001 to promote a progressive religious voice on a broad range of sexuality issues and to help faith communities address sexuality issues.
On February 21, 2012, the Religious Institute received shocking news from its fiscal agent, Christian Community Inc., that it had ceased business operations, and that it was shutting down immediately. In its capacity as fiscal agent, Christian Community Inc. was responsible for processing all donations to the Religious Institute as well as managing its financial obligations. At that time, we were notified that all of the Religious Institute funds for fiscal year 2012, and all of the Religious Institute reserves and fund balance, were gone. All ties between the organizations were immediately ended at that time.
The shock and the betrayal are beyond words. All authorities -- local police in several jurisdiction, state attorney generals offices in several states, U.S. Attorney, and the FBI have been contacted and are investigating. We have filed reports, given statements and documents, and I've been asked to let them begin their investigation.
I am working 15 hour plus days, harder than I ever have in my life. I have ceased having a salary. The staff of the Religious Institute -- Marie, Blanca, and Michael -- have been AMAZING. We pray, we cry, we hold each other, we feed each other, and we work incessantly. I have never felt so loved. And I have never known how strong I can really be. We are in the wilderness, but we WILL survive.
The response so far (and it's only been a week) has been remarkable. A probono law firm has agreed to take us on as a client and will help us become our own independent 501 c 3. My church, the church I serve as a community minister, The Unitarian Church in Westport (TUCW) immediately voted to become the new fiscal agent for the Religious Institute.
In this role, it will process donations to the Religious Institute. (I have served this congregation as a Community Minister since 2003, and have been a member since 1988.) Additionally, the Religious Institute has started the process of being recognized by the IRS as an independent nonprofit organization, and is managing its own finances. Once the Religious Institute receives IRS recognition as an independent nonprofit organization, it will no longer need the services of TUCW.
The kindnesses people have offered demonstrate to me how loved we are, how we can get through anything with enough love and support, and concrete actions. Our website host has dropped all fees for 2012. My chiropractor has donated free sessions to the staff as has my spiritual director and a psychologist. Members of my church are volunteering their hands and their professional expertise. Churches are taking collections for us.
I've raised one third of what I need to keep us open for the next ten months so we can re-establish ourselves. You can help us get to that goal.
And through it all, I have continued my ministry. In this past week of horrors, I've also done the Geraldo ABC radio show to defend contraception in health care reform, written an article for the Albany Times, provided technical assistance to a church where a staff member was arrested for child sexual abuse, and created a plan for an international meeting on maternal health and family planning. The ministry must survive -- indeed, it is more critical than ever.
Donations to TUCW on behalf of the Religious Institute are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donations can be sent to the Religious Institute at 21 Charles Street, Suite 140, Westport, CT 06880, or can be made online at www.religiousinstitute.org/donate
A seven year old boy sent $1.45. One of my friends sent $10,000. Your $25, 50, 100 to $1000 will make the most vital difference. If you have ever thought about supporting our ministry, now is the time. Tell your friends who have resources that you are committed to helping raise a progressive religious voice in the world and ask them to help.
And most of all, please pray for us. God is with us in this struggle. God and love will get us through this. Thank you for whatever you can do.
Rev. Debra W. Haffner
www.religiousinstitute.org
I need your help. I need your prayers. I need your support and I need you to help spread the word about the vital ministry of the Religious Institute. If you can't read all of this, please go to www.religiousinstitute.org/donate for a short version.
I am in the fight of my life. The Lenten season is upon us, I have been betrayed, we are in the garden, and we need you to stay awake for us.
My regular readers know that I am the director of the Religious Institute, a multi-faith organization that I co-founded in 2001 to promote a progressive religious voice on a broad range of sexuality issues and to help faith communities address sexuality issues.
On February 21, 2012, the Religious Institute received shocking news from its fiscal agent, Christian Community Inc., that it had ceased business operations, and that it was shutting down immediately. In its capacity as fiscal agent, Christian Community Inc. was responsible for processing all donations to the Religious Institute as well as managing its financial obligations. At that time, we were notified that all of the Religious Institute funds for fiscal year 2012, and all of the Religious Institute reserves and fund balance, were gone. All ties between the organizations were immediately ended at that time.
The shock and the betrayal are beyond words. All authorities -- local police in several jurisdiction, state attorney generals offices in several states, U.S. Attorney, and the FBI have been contacted and are investigating. We have filed reports, given statements and documents, and I've been asked to let them begin their investigation.
I am working 15 hour plus days, harder than I ever have in my life. I have ceased having a salary. The staff of the Religious Institute -- Marie, Blanca, and Michael -- have been AMAZING. We pray, we cry, we hold each other, we feed each other, and we work incessantly. I have never felt so loved. And I have never known how strong I can really be. We are in the wilderness, but we WILL survive.
The response so far (and it's only been a week) has been remarkable. A probono law firm has agreed to take us on as a client and will help us become our own independent 501 c 3. My church, the church I serve as a community minister, The Unitarian Church in Westport (TUCW) immediately voted to become the new fiscal agent for the Religious Institute.
In this role, it will process donations to the Religious Institute. (I have served this congregation as a Community Minister since 2003, and have been a member since 1988.) Additionally, the Religious Institute has started the process of being recognized by the IRS as an independent nonprofit organization, and is managing its own finances. Once the Religious Institute receives IRS recognition as an independent nonprofit organization, it will no longer need the services of TUCW.
The kindnesses people have offered demonstrate to me how loved we are, how we can get through anything with enough love and support, and concrete actions. Our website host has dropped all fees for 2012. My chiropractor has donated free sessions to the staff as has my spiritual director and a psychologist. Members of my church are volunteering their hands and their professional expertise. Churches are taking collections for us.
I've raised one third of what I need to keep us open for the next ten months so we can re-establish ourselves. You can help us get to that goal.
And through it all, I have continued my ministry. In this past week of horrors, I've also done the Geraldo ABC radio show to defend contraception in health care reform, written an article for the Albany Times, provided technical assistance to a church where a staff member was arrested for child sexual abuse, and created a plan for an international meeting on maternal health and family planning. The ministry must survive -- indeed, it is more critical than ever.
Donations to TUCW on behalf of the Religious Institute are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donations can be sent to the Religious Institute at 21 Charles Street, Suite 140, Westport, CT 06880, or can be made online at www.religiousinstitute.org/donate
A seven year old boy sent $1.45. One of my friends sent $10,000. Your $25, 50, 100 to $1000 will make the most vital difference. If you have ever thought about supporting our ministry, now is the time. Tell your friends who have resources that you are committed to helping raise a progressive religious voice in the world and ask them to help.
And most of all, please pray for us. God is with us in this struggle. God and love will get us through this. Thank you for whatever you can do.
Rev. Debra W. Haffner
www.religiousinstitute.org
Wednesday, February 08, 2012
MAINSTREAM RELIGIOUS LEADERS SUPPORT BIRTH CONTROL
I am in disbelief that contraception has become a political football this electoral season.
99% of American women use contraception. 99%. It gives to meaning to "we are the 99%."
Yet, the U.S. Catholic Bishops have called an all out attack on birth control coverage in health care reform -- and each of the GOP contenders have joined them. Their anti-women, anti-sexuality positions are being cloaked in a "religious liberty" argument that doesn't stand up to scrutiny.
Today, I joined 22 other national mainstream religious leaders in issuing a statement on behalf of birth control coverage in health care reform. You can read it at
www.religiousinstitute.org/news
Stand with us and speak out!
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Sex and the Seminary: The Sequel
Today, I am proud to report that the landscape at U.S. seminaries, divinity and rabbinical schools is shifting towards increased sexuality education. The Religious Institute announced this morning that twenty seminaries now meet a majority of the criteria for a sexually healthy and responsible seminary, or twice what we found in 2009 in our original "Sex and the Seminary" report.
During the past three years, the Religious Institute has partnered with these seminaries to ensure that tomorrow’s clergy are prepared to minister to their congregants, and to be effective advocates for sexual health and justice. These twenty seminaries now provide coursework on sexuality, policies that support sexual health, a commitment to an environment safe from harassment and abuse, and leadership that is committed to activism on sexuality issues. We have designated these twenty institutions as Sexually Healthy and Responsible Seminaries.
The twenty seminaries represent 9 denominational schools and several inter/nondenominational schools in 12 states.
Some of the improvements in the past two years include the following:
• Brite Divinity School, a Disciples of Christ seminary in Fort Worth, Texas now offers a full-semester course on sexuality and pastoral care issues; has revised their community inclusion statement to be inclusive of sex, gender identity, and orientation; and requires all field education supervisors, students, and lay committees to address sexuality-related training needs. Additionally, Brite has developed a model for seminary-wide conversations on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) ordination within Christian denominations.
• The Jewish Theological Seminary developed two full-semester courses on sexuality issues, and now requires at least one full-semester sexuality-related course as well as clergy sexual misconduct training for all rabbinical students prior to graduation. Going forward, almost all Conservative rabbis in the U.S. will have at least one full course on sexuality issues, including education on sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as professional sexual misconduct training—all as a direct result of this project.
• Union Theological Seminary dedicated its alumni days to “Sex and the Church,” instituted a required sexual misconduct class, and greatly increased its curricular offerings on sexuality issues.
• Yale Divinity School now requires students take at least one of sexuality-related course prior to graduation. Yale also revised their Master’s of Divinity required ministerial misconduct workshop to include broader sexuality topics, including LGBT issues and sexual health.
These changes come at the same time that denominations have begun to require that their ministerial candidates demonstrate competencies in sexual health and sexuality education, and to take sexual misconduct prevention classes. The Unitarian Universalist Association and the Metropolitan Community Churches now require all of their ministers to be prepared to address congregations’ sexuality issues. Other denominations, including The United Methodist Church, are currently preparing stronger requirements on sexual ethics and misconduct prevention.
These changes are occurring amid a backdrop of denomination struggles around the full inclusion of gay and lesbian persons and the increasing recognition that clergy sexual misconduct is far wider than just the Roman Catholic Church. Today’s clergy are faced with ever-complex sexuality issues, ranging from congregant online affairs to welcoming transgender people. The sexuality issues that clergy must sort out over the course of ministry aren’t going to go away. As more sexually healthy and responsible clergy successfully meet these challenges, it is my heartfelt desire that we continue building on this progress, moving towards a time when all seminaries meet these criteria.
During the past three years, the Religious Institute has partnered with these seminaries to ensure that tomorrow’s clergy are prepared to minister to their congregants, and to be effective advocates for sexual health and justice. These twenty seminaries now provide coursework on sexuality, policies that support sexual health, a commitment to an environment safe from harassment and abuse, and leadership that is committed to activism on sexuality issues. We have designated these twenty institutions as Sexually Healthy and Responsible Seminaries.
The twenty seminaries represent 9 denominational schools and several inter/nondenominational schools in 12 states.
Some of the improvements in the past two years include the following:
• Brite Divinity School, a Disciples of Christ seminary in Fort Worth, Texas now offers a full-semester course on sexuality and pastoral care issues; has revised their community inclusion statement to be inclusive of sex, gender identity, and orientation; and requires all field education supervisors, students, and lay committees to address sexuality-related training needs. Additionally, Brite has developed a model for seminary-wide conversations on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) ordination within Christian denominations.
• The Jewish Theological Seminary developed two full-semester courses on sexuality issues, and now requires at least one full-semester sexuality-related course as well as clergy sexual misconduct training for all rabbinical students prior to graduation. Going forward, almost all Conservative rabbis in the U.S. will have at least one full course on sexuality issues, including education on sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as professional sexual misconduct training—all as a direct result of this project.
• Union Theological Seminary dedicated its alumni days to “Sex and the Church,” instituted a required sexual misconduct class, and greatly increased its curricular offerings on sexuality issues.
• Yale Divinity School now requires students take at least one of sexuality-related course prior to graduation. Yale also revised their Master’s of Divinity required ministerial misconduct workshop to include broader sexuality topics, including LGBT issues and sexual health.
These changes come at the same time that denominations have begun to require that their ministerial candidates demonstrate competencies in sexual health and sexuality education, and to take sexual misconduct prevention classes. The Unitarian Universalist Association and the Metropolitan Community Churches now require all of their ministers to be prepared to address congregations’ sexuality issues. Other denominations, including The United Methodist Church, are currently preparing stronger requirements on sexual ethics and misconduct prevention.
These changes are occurring amid a backdrop of denomination struggles around the full inclusion of gay and lesbian persons and the increasing recognition that clergy sexual misconduct is far wider than just the Roman Catholic Church. Today’s clergy are faced with ever-complex sexuality issues, ranging from congregant online affairs to welcoming transgender people. The sexuality issues that clergy must sort out over the course of ministry aren’t going to go away. As more sexually healthy and responsible clergy successfully meet these challenges, it is my heartfelt desire that we continue building on this progress, moving towards a time when all seminaries meet these criteria.
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