GA approves Bible-based sex curricula, but allows reproductive health information
Paula R. Kincaid, The Layman Online , June 20, 2006
217th General Assembly
Birmingham, Ala. BIRMINGHAM — The 217th General Assembly approved overture 12-11 from the Presbytery of Shenango requesting that the denomination’s sexuality curricula and other materials be “consistent with the Biblical and confessional teaching.”
Commissioners also approved the Committee on Church Growth and Christian Education’s amendment to the overture: “The curriculum should include information on reproductive health to allow for an open discussion between teachers and youth in light of our understanding of God’s plan for sexuality.”
The vote was 381-108-6.
Committee Chairman Lee Jordan of Yukon Presbytery said the language for the amendment came from a youth advisory delegate. The committee thought the amendment “retained the spirit of the overture and spoke to the needs to youth and young adults who are seeking language responsive to them and the culture in which they find themselves.”
The GA approved overture directs the Congregational Ministry Division of the General Assembly Council and other PCUSA entities to “use the Biblical and confessional teachings that sexual relationships belong only within the bond of marriage of a man and a woman as the standard for the development of any future materials or recommendations for materials in print or in its Web site.
The curriculum should include information on reproductive health to allow for an open discussion between teachers and youth in light of our understanding of God’s plan for sexuality.”
Two attempts to reconsider the assembly vote were made later in the day. Both failed. One was ruled out of order and other was voted down.